







t 



4 





0mma C* 


THE OWL AND THE BOBOLINK. Il- 
lustrated. 

POLLY OF LADY GAY COTTAGE. Il- 
lustrated in color. 

POLLY OF THE HOSPITAL STAFF. 
Illustrated in color. 

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
Boston and New York 


THE OWL AND THE BOBOLINK 











FUN IN THE GARRET 


(p. 128) 




THE OWL AND THE 
BOBOLINK 

Verses for Young Readers 

BY 

Emma C. Dowd 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 
EMMA TROTH 



BOSTON AND NEW YORK 
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
(Cbe <rambriti0e 


M - eeti 


COPYRIGHT, IQI4, BY EMMA C. DOWD 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 


Published April igi4 



APR 30 1914 

©CI,A374005 

Hjt) k 


TO ONE 

IN WHOSE GREAT HEART OF LOVE 
THESE RHYMES 
FIRST FOUND A HOME 


NOTE 


The author’s thanks are due to The Youth's Com- 
panion; Messrs. Harper & Brothers; St. Nicholas; 
Judge; the Presbyterian Board of Publication and 
Sabbath-School Work, publishers of The Sunbeam 
and The Sabbath-School Visitor; The Ladies' Home 
Journal; The Congregationalist; Good Housekeeping; 
The Ladies' World; Zion's Herald; David C. Cook 
Publishing Company, publishers of Dew Drops and 
The Young People's Weekly; The New England 
Homestead; The Burlington Hawkeye; The Christian 
Register; The Pittsburgh Christian Advocate; The 
Christian Endeavor World; and Life^ for permission 
to reprint certain of the poems contained in this 
book. 



CONTENTS 


The Owl and the Bobolink i 

Our Baby Year 2 

What They Said 3 

Prince and Pearl 4 

Settling the Question 6 

February 8 

Big House and Little House 9 

The Two Men of Cologne. 9 

His Message ii 

Janie’s Valentine 12 

A Growl from Fido 13 

Quite Different! 14 

A Trolley Ride 15 

The Valentine that Elizabeth Had 15 

Bananas 16 

Micky and Me 17 

A Tea-Party 17 

The Foolish Puppies 18 

ix « 


Contents 


Washington 19 

The Elephants’ Party 20 

John Henry Jones 21 

Getting Acquainted 22 

Ours 23 

Jamie the Gentleman 23 

A Would-be Patriot 24 

When my Great-Grandmother went to School ... 25 

What is the Reason? . 27 

March 27 

The Little Pianist 28 

A Tender Mother 29 

A March Thief 29 

Archibald Stone’s Mistake 30 

What Matter? 31 

A Saucy Boy 31 

What Should Little Children Learn? 32 

Alphabet Song 33 

The History of an Easter Egg 34 

Unlearned 35 

A Song of Easter Eggs 37 

April is here! 38 

^ X ^ 


Contents 

A Spring Race 38 

Polly and Billy .41 

Poor Little Tadpole 42 

A Discontented Sparrow 42 

Pumpkin Pie 43 

A Wet Walk 43 

Plant a Tree! 44 

A Disappointed Scholar 45 

Anticipation 46 

Two Little Housemaids 47 

A Happy Family 47 

The Arch of Elms 48 

A Good Lesson 49 

Our Cupboard of C’s 50 

A Question 51 

Party Gowns 51 

I’m Thinking 52 

The Coming of May 53 

The Princes of Edenbay 53 

A Day of Misdeeds 54 

Miss Mouse’s Longing 55 

Geographical Attraction 56 

^ xi ^ 


Contents 


May Has Come 56 

A Complaint . 57 

When All the World Goes Maying . . . . . .57 

The Loyal Three 58 

Little Prince and I 60 

Bought — a Breakfast 61 

An Excursion 61 

Scatter Flowers .62 

A Daisy’s Mission 62 

To Some Little Southern Girl 63 

Magic Buttons 64 

Old Uncle Joe 66 

An Open Secret 67 

The Tambourine Girl 68 

A Tragedy 68 

Housekeeping 69 

A Young Bridge-Builder 69 

The Brave Buffalo 70 

In June 72 

Six Little Brothers 72 

Saying and Doing 73 

A Song of Summer 74 

'k xil 5 


Contents 

From Two Points of View 75 

Daisytown Gossip 76 

Two Little Toads 78 

Impolite . 79 

True to her Name 79 

The Rain-Fays 85 

Little Bettine: A Swinging Song 86 

A Tale of Midsummer’s Evening . . 86 

Polly 87 

Secrets 88 

The Family Fourth 89 

A Goose 90 

A Summer Day 91 

Doll Bertha takes a Nap 91 

One Little Firecracker 92 

The River and the Sea 93 

His Portrait 94 

A Secret 94 

A Dream for Robin 95 

An Interrupted Journey 96 

Reading and Riding 96 

The Conscious Chicken 97 

^ xiii ^ 


Contents 


The Soldier Boy and the Sailor Man 99 

Laugh 100 

Ethel’s Practical School 100 

Two Little Poets 102 

Philosopher Frog 102 

One Evening 105 

A Queer Little Woman 106 

Playing Castle 107 

A Paper Wedding 107 

The Graceful Goose 108 

Our Neighborhood Nuisance no 

Morning-Glories in 

The Courteous Kangaroo .111 

The Doll I Love the Best 112 

A Turnabout 113 

A Trip to Boston 114 

A Royal Runaway 115 

A Homesick Boy 117 

A Little Pig 118 

Baby Dimple’s House 119 

The Feast of Puddings and Pies 120 

A Picnic 121 

^ xiv ^ 


Contents 


Politeness Pays 122 

The Kit-Cat Luncheon 122 

An Alphabet of Helpers 123 

Four Years Old 125 

A Commonplace Child 125 

A Wise Conclusion 126 

A Laughing Dunce 127 

The New Club 127 

Fun in the Garret 128 

The Doctor’s Sugar-Plums . 128 

If They Could! 129 

The Fringed Gentian and the Closed Gentian . .129 

A Sad Condition 13 1 

School Begins To-day 131 

Chestnutting 132 

A Little Housemaid 133 

Two Days at School 134 

Six Cats of Windsor i 35 

A Wish Fulfilled i 37 

Recipe for a “Splendid Time” 138 

The Barn Detectives 138 

A Funny Chicken 140 


Contents 


Pretty Penelope’s Baskets of P’s 141 

The Browns 142 

The Darling Family . . .143 

How Many? 144 

The Land of Make-Believe 145 

Prince October 146 

Autumn Styles 147 

A Song of Chestnuts 148 

Bird Flights 149 

In the Nursery 149 

November 150 

My Party 151 

Sweet Little Solly 152 

Bronzy’s Stratagem 152 

Tommy’s Thanksgiving Trouble 153 

Dot’s Thanksgiving 154 

A Very Odd Girl 155 

An Alphabet of Sports 156 

A Doll-House Thanksgiving 158 

To A Sad Little Girl 159 

Bells 160 

Johnny’s Wish 161 

^ xvi S 


Contents 

Little Paul’s Thanksgiving i6i 

Thanksgiving Riddle 162 

Two Little Thieves 163 

Thanksgiving Sunshine . 163 

Guessing at Shadows 164 

A Suggestion 165 

Mistress Kitty 165 

A Christmas Greeting 166 

Our Brigand 166 

A Song of Christmas Trees 167 

Satin Joe and Wooden Jim 168 

My Dolly Hung her Stocking Up 169 

The Sweetest Girl in Town 169 

Muffins and Jam 170 

Coasting 170 

Christmas with Two Mollies 171 

Bedtime Thoughts 173 

The Generous Giraffe 174 

What Santa Claus Brought 175 

Questionings i 75 

If and Perhaps 176 


^ xvii ^ 













ILLUSTRATIONS 


Fun in the Garret (page 128) Frontispiece 

When my Great-Grandmother went to School . .26 

The Rain-Fays 84 

She guides unsteady, aged feet across the bustling 

HIGHWAY 156 

End-paper design 


From drawings by Emma Troth 


THE OWL AND THE BOBOLINK 


A BOBOLINK trilled a roundelay. 

''Halloo!’' cried an owl. "That’s fine! 

I ’d like to learn your song — if I may; 

It is worth a dozen of mine! 

"Folks say that my singing makes them blue; 

But I practice the livelong night, 

And I can’t get a note beyond 'Tu-whoo,’ 
Though I try with all my might.” 

" Ha ! ha ! ” laughed the bobolink. " Bob-o-bo-lee 
Men call me a frivolous bird; 

But you are pictured from sea to sea 
As wondrously wise, I’ve heard.” 

Then the bobolink laughed and laughed again. 
Till his feathers shook with mirth. 

"Such curious, comical creatures are men! 
They’re the funniest things on earth! 


Our Baby Year 

“ I had thought of applying, my friend, to you 
For some of your wisdom notes; 

But Tm sure I never could learn 'Tu-whoo,’ 

We have such dissimilar throats! 

" Now I ’ve hit on a plan that is jolly and strong — 
Let’s go into partnership — see? 

You do your best on your own old song, 

And I’ll stick to my ' Bob-o-bo-lee.’ 

"I’ll lighten your wisdom, you’ll temper my 
mirth — 

Bob-o-bo-lee-bob-o-loo ! 

And together we’ll travel all over the earth!” 

' ‘ Agreed ! ’ ’ said the owl. ' ‘ T u-whoo ! ’ ’ 


OUR BABY YEAR 

Welcome, sweet Baby Year! 

He does not speak, but, smiling, stands. 
Untold treasures within his hands. 

Oh, welcome, welcome. Baby Year! 

But what do you bring for us, you dear? 
^ 2 S 


What They Said 

We want glad hearts and contented minds, 
What the richest monarch rarely finds; 
Willing hands and ready feet; 

Kindly words and tempers sweet; 

Twelve months of happiness, work, and love. 
Like a wee, wee bit of the heaven above, — 
O Baby Year, if you bring all this. 

We will add to our welcoming a kiss! 

He answers not, but, smiling, stands 
Upon the threshold with outstretched hands. 


WHAT THEY SAID 

DOROTHY DUMP 

Dorothy Dump, Dorothy Dump, 

Sat in her palace, forlorn; 

She ate her honey and counted her money. 

And moped from morn to morn. 

'^What a dolorous world!” said Dorothy Dump; 
wish I had never been born!” 


^ 3 S 


Prince and Pearl 


BARBARA BRIGHT 

Barbara Bright, Barbara Bright, 

Toiled for the wretched and poor; 

She gave them money and fed them with honey, 
And taught them how to be truer. 

“What a beautiful world!” said Barbara Bright; 
“’T is good to be living, I’m sure!” 

PRINCE AND PEARL 

In the very same year, on the very same day. 

Two little babies were born; 

One was a doggy, and one was a girl. 

One was named Prince, and one was named Pearl, 
All on a New Year’s morn. 

And in one cradle the babies slept. 

All through the midwinter weather; 

One on her pillow, dimpled and sweet. 

The other curled up at her little pink feet, — 
Prince and Pearl together. 

But Prince grew fast, as doggies will. 

Till he soon was large and strong, 

S 4 « 


Prince and Pearl 

With a coal-black coat that was curly and fine, 
With a big, big bark and a sorrowful whine; 

And he learned to know right from wrong. 

And Prince would sit by the baby Pearl, 

Rocking her while she slept, 

Gently, lightly, to and fro. 

And the mother was free to come or go. 

For Prince a true watch kept. 

He'd bear caresses from baby hands 
With never so much as a wince; 

And Pearl on his back was secure from harm. 

For he’d carry her safely all over the farm, — 
Darling, trusty old Prince! 

And when Pearl went to the village school, 

A mile or more away, 

Prince carried her basket, and primer, too. 

And would run to fetch her when school was 
through. 

At the close of the long, long day. 

Oh 1 they were ever the best of friends. 

In sunny or stormy weather; 

S 5 ^ 


Settling the Question 

Up in the mountains or down by the sea, 

In town or country, ’t would always be 
Prince and Pearl together. 

SETTLING THE QUESTION 
Pug 

I ’m the brightest pug on the face of the earth, 
So says my handsome master; 

I am just brimful of frolic and mirth. 

And nobody can run faster.” 

Skye 

Um a Skye of one of the loveliest blues. 

My mistress says so daily; 

I can wear eyeglasses and read the news. 

And entertain callers gayly.” 

Pug 

I can do all tricks, Um a cunning elf. 

And I cost an even eighty.” 

Skye 

That amount was paid for my very self. 

For my pedigree’s long and weighty.” 

5 6^ 


Settling the Question 

Pug 

What a price for a Skye! But if I were you, 

I 'd pay that sum for a shearing.” 

Skye 

” And if I were so sleek that my sides shone through, 
rd feel like disappearing.” 

Pug 

” Well, if I could n’t tell my tail from my head, 

’T would deprive me of locomotion!” 

Skye 

”If my nose were smutty, ’t would kill me dead; 

I would drown myself in the ocean.” 

Pug 

”I assure you that pugs fetch the highest price 
In the market, sir, — that’s decided!” 

Skye 

”Well, I tell you, no dog, by any device. 

Ever brought so much money as I did!” 

5 7 ^ 


February 


St. Bernard 

‘'Come, stop your quarreling, foolish curs! 
You're the silliest pair in collars; 

I can settle your question at once, good sirs, — 
For / cost a thousand dollars.” 


FEBRUARY 

Here comes jolly February, 

Month of storms and month of thaws; 
Month when winter slips her fetters, 

Spite the Ice- King's sternest laws; 

Month when happy birds are mated. 

Month of good St. Valentine, 

Month when missives sweet, love-freighted. 
Fly to your door and to mine! 

Shortest month of all, we greet thee! 

Bring us clouds or bring us sun, 

Surely all will bid thee welcome. 

Month that gave us Washington! 


The Two Men of Cologne 

BIG HOUSE AND LITTLE HOUSE 

Little house, little house, with lots of children in it ! 

Big house, big house, with just one little boy! 
Little house, little house, with laughter every min- 
ute! 

Big house, big house, with sulks instead of joy! 

Big house, big house, with valentines in plenty! 

Little house, little house, with not a single one! 
Oh, if the big house would carry ten or twenty 
Over to the little house, would n’t there be fun! 

THE TWO MEN OF COLOGNE 

A LONG time ago, there lived, in Cologne, 

Otto von Hiller and Rupert Van Tone; 

And Otto wrote fables. 

But Rupert made tables — 

'^The very best tables that ever were known!” 

So said every sensible Frau in Cologne. 

'‘Friend Rupert,” said Otto von Hiller, one day, 
"Come, tell me the wonderful reason, I pray, 

^ 9 ^ 


The Two Men of Cologne 

Why men call you clever, 

When, really, you never 
Professed to have very much learning, you know, 
And I — well, in truth, I Ve enough for a show. 

I 'm master of Latin, I ^m famous in Greek, 

Both French and Italian I fluently speak; 

I could talk by the year 
Of our nation’s career; 

Y et, some one has said — to his shame be it known — 
That I am the stupidest man in Cologne!” 

Said Rupert Van Tone : If you ’ll promise to try it 
I’ll tell you the secret: — I’ve learned to keep 
quiet.” 

‘‘But I’ve so much to say!” — 

“’T won’t spoil in a day; 

Who lets his tongue run like a vibrating lever 
Stands very small chance of being called clever.” 

But he’d “so much to say,” this Otto von Hiller: 
’T was now to the judge, and now to the miller; 
He ’d appear without warning, 

And stay all the morning. 


His Message 

Till his hearers would sigh as he left, “What a 
drone ! 

He is truly the stupidest man in Cologne.” 

But Rupert Van Tone worked on at his trade; 

He listened and thought, but his words he well 
weighed, 

Till at twoscore and twenty 
He ’d money in plenty ; 

And through summer and winter his mansion was 
known 

As the home of the cleverest man in Cologne. 


HIS MESSAGE 

What shall I send for a valentine! 

I want a rose or a blossoming vine. 

I have n’t even a little gold heart. 

Stuck through and through with a shining dart. 
Or a silver Cupid with gauzy wings. 

Or any of those most beautiful things. 

O dear! O dear! what luck is mine! 

I’ve nothing to send for a valentine! 


Janie’s Valentine 

I might write a verse, but I don’t know how! 
And all I can draw are a pig and a cow! 

A candy heart would be very nice, 

Or a lovely cake all sugar and spice; 

But then, I have n’t a single cent. 

And you can’t buy things with money you’ve 
spent ! 

I ’ve got some paper, all pinky-white. 

And this is what I’ve decided to write! 

'‘Love — Love — Love — Love ” all over the 
sheet. 

Then mother will think her valentine ’s sweet ! 

JANIE’S VALENTINE 

It is n’t made of paper, and it is n’t even white. 

And there’s not a single mite of lace about it — 
This valentine — the treasure! — that was sent to 
Janie Bright 

And she wonders how she ever did without it. 

It has a heart, that ’s certain, but it is n’t made of 
gold. 

And there never was a single dart stuck in it; 


A Growl from Fido 

’T is a valentine that never was either bought or 
sold, 

But Janie loves it dearly every minute. 

When Janie first espied it, she cried, '‘Oh, is it 
mine?’’ 

So cute it looked in Timmy Brown’s big mitten ! 

I wonder what made Timmy call it a valentine — 
This funny little February kitten! 


A GROWL FROM FIDO 

I’m a dog that can bark, and I do declare 
This valentine folderol 
Is worse than a kitten or dancing bear; 

It is even worse than a doll! 

They have shut me up, though the weather is fine, 
As if I ’d done something wrong, — 

They have gone to carry a valentine. 

And they would n’t take me along! 


Quite Different 


QUITE DIFFERENT! 

Little Bobby Bubblejohns 
Bought a valentine, 

A gayly-colored, comic one, 

To send to Robby Kline. 

Then little Bobby laughed and laughed, 
As he never laughed before: 

‘"’T is such a funny valentine!” 

Said he, and laughed the more. 

Little Peter Pepperpods 
Sent to little Bobby 

A valentine exactly like 

The one Bob sent to Robby. 

Then little Bobby Bubblejohns 
Grew cross, to judge by signs: 

''It is n’t any fun!” he growled; 

"I’m tired of valentines!” 


The Valentine that Elizabeth had 


A TROLLEY RIDE 

The Humorous Hyena and the Jolly Jaguar 

Strolled far away from home one day, and took a 
trolley car; 

The motorman, conductor, and passengers all fled. 

' ‘ This is a boom ! We ’ll have more room ! ’ ’ the gay 
newcomers said. 

The Humorous Hyena — how he ran that trolley 
car! 

He made it go, now fast, now slow, to suit the 
Jaguar! 

They rode and rode and rode and rode till they were 
tired, and then 

They skipped away, saying, ''Some day we’ll take 
a ride again.” 

THE VALENTINE THAT ELIZABETH HAD 

The valentine that Elizabeth had 
Was big and square and white. 

With a pictured, gold-haired lass and lad 
’Mid roses of delight. 

S 15 5 : 


Bananas 


'T was decked with lace from end to end, 

And it held a verse that was signed, “ Your friend/’ 

The valentine that Matilda had? 

Why, at first she had n’t any! 

For her dearest friends were a lass and a lad 
Who owned not a single penny. 

But Valentine Night, as still as a mouse. 
Somebody stole to Matilda’s house. 

Matilda ran to the little brown door. 

And opened it quick as a wink; 

But the feet that had come had gone before. 

And there — oh, what do you think? 

On the rickety step, where the shadows twine, 

Lay Elizabeth’s beautiful valentine! 


BANANAS 

Bananas! bananas! a quarter a bunch! 
Bananas ! bananas ! let ’s have a lunch ! 
Bananas yellow, bananas red ! 

Who eats bananas is very well fed. 

^ i6 ^ 


A Tea-Party 


MICKY AND ME 

We have n’t a single valentine, 

Micky and me, and Tom has nine! 

I wonder why it is, some of the boys 
Get lots of valentines, books, and toys. 

And poor little fellers like me and Mick 
Get nothing at all except a kick! 

When I ’m a big man, then you’ll see! — 
We’ll have some valentines, Micky and me! 

A TEA-PARTY 

One little boy, and two little girls; 

Three little chairs, and four little curls; 

Five little dishes, and six little plates; 

Seven little rolls, and eight little dates; 

Nine little bonbons, ten little tarts; 

Eleven little kisses, and twelve little hearts. 

And the two little girls and the one little boy 
Had nothing to do but to eat and enjoy; 

So they ate and talked and had, oh, such fun! 
And they ate and laughed till the party was done 

5 17 ^ 


The Foolish Puppies 

THE FOOLISH PUPPIES 

Two fat and foolish puppy dogs, 

One yellow and one black, 

Set up a gruesome grumbling 
About their master. Mack. 

Quite frequently to practice tricks 
He’d summon them from play, 

And, then, he did not give to them 
Fresh turkey bones each day! 

‘It is a shame we’re treated sol” 

The yellow puppy howled. 

‘A burning shame! Let ’s run away!” 
The big black puppy growled. 

And so these foolish puppy dogs. 
Well sheltered and well fed. 

Ran far away, till they were glad 
To eat old mouldy bread ! 

They ran so long, they ran so far. 
The yellow and the black. 

They lost their way, and to this day 
No one has seen them back. 

^ i8 « 


Washington 

WASHINGTON 

Only a baby, fair and small, 

Like many another baby son. 

Whose smiles and tears came swift at call. 
Who ate and slept and grew, that's all; — 
The infant Washington. 

Only a boy, like other boys. 

With tasks and studies, sports and fun. 
Fond of his books and games and toys. 

Living his childish griefs and joys; — 

The little Washington. 

Only a lad, awkward and shy. 

Skilled in handling a horse or a gun. 
Mastering knowledge that by and by 
Should aid him in duties great and high ; — 
The youthful Washington. 

Only a man of finest bent. 

Hero of battles fought and won. 

Surveyor, General, President, 

Who served his country, and died content; — 
The patriot Washington. 

« 19 ^ 


The Elephants' Party 

Only — ah, what was the secret, then, 

Of his being America's honored son? 

Why was he famed above other men. 

His name upon every tongue and pen, 

The illustrious Washington? 

A mighty brain, a will to endure. 

Passions subdued, a slave to none, 

A heart that was brave and strong and sure, 
A soul that was noble and great and pure, 

A faith in God that was held secure; — 

This was George Washington. 

THE ELEPHANTS' PARTY 

The elephants gave a party. 

And invited the leather dog. 

The rabbit of Canton flannel. 

And the beautiful green-metal frog; 

The comical brown-satin monkey. 

The lamb that was woolly and fat. 
The curious calico turtle. 

And the furry, bobtailed cat. 


John Henry Jones 

They voted the party enchanting, 

From the monkey down to the frog; 

They frisked, they frolicked, they gamboled. 
And all went at merriest jog. 

And what was the good-time secret? 

I 'll tell if you have n't guessed; 

They all wore their company manners. 

Though in everyday garb they were dressed. 

And so, in this nursery party 
Is a lesson worth many a dime: 

We should wear our company manners 
Whenever we'd have a good time. 

JOHN HENRY JONES 

I THINK I 'll be like Washington, 

As dignified and wise; 

Folks always say a boy can be 
A great man if he tries. 

And then, perhaps, when I am old. 

People will celebrate 


Getting Acquainted 

The birthday of John Henry Jones, 
And I shall live in state. 

John Henry Jones is me, you know. 
Oh, T will be jolly fun 
To have my birthday set apart 
Like that of Washington! 

GETTING ACQUAINTED . 

Marguerite in silk and fur, 

Paul in wool and leather. 

Eyed each other, while mammas 
Talked of wintry weather. 

Marguerite smiled cordially; 

Paul displayed a dimple; 

Near together stole the two — 
Oh, the way was simple! 

Such a picture as they made 
Surely should be painted ; 

Paul gave Marguerite a kiss. 
Then they were acquainted ! 


Jamie the Gentleman 


OURS 

Napoleon was great, I know, 

And Julius Csesar, and all the rest; 

But they did n’t belong to us, and so 
I like George Washington the best. 

JAMIE THE GENTLEMAN 

There ’s a dear little ten-year-old down the street. 
With eyes so merry and smile so sweet 
I love to stay him whenever we meet, 

And I call him Jamie the gentleman. 

His home is of poverty, gloomy and bare. 

His mother is old with want and care — 

There ’s little to eat and little to wear 
In the home of Jamie the gentleman. 

He never complains, though his clothes be old, 

No dismal whinings at hunger or cold. 

For a cheerful heart that is better than gold 
Has brave little Jamie the gentleman. 

« 23 ^ 


A Would-be Patriot 


His standing at school is always ten, 

‘For diligent boys make wise, great men. 

And I 'm bound to be great some day, and then,'’ 
Proudly says Jamie the gentleman, — 

‘ My mother shall rest her on cushions of down. 
The finest lady in all the town. 

And wear a velvet and satin gown," — 

Thus dreams Jamie the gentleman. 

‘Trust ever in God," and “ Be brave and true," — 
Jamie has chosen these precepts two; 

Glorious mottoes for me and for you ! 

May God bless Jamie the gentleman! 

A WOULD-BE PATRIOT 

I 'd like to be a patriot, 

I wonder if I can! 

Papa says I am growing fast. 

And soon will be a man. 

I want to be a patriot. 

Like General Washington; 

« 24 ^ 


My Great-Grandmother 

But now there is not any war, 
And so I can’t be one. 

If there ’s a war when I am old, 
Real old, perhaps I might 
Stay home and be a patriot. 
And send my sons to fight! 

I rather think I ’d like that kind 
Of patriot to be; 

For battles are so dangerous, 

I might get hurt, you see ! 


WHEN MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER 
WENT TO SCHOOL 

When my great-grandmother went to school, she 
dressed in brightest red. 

From her scarlet shoes and stockings to the hood 
upon her head. 

Her frocks were made so long she tripped as she ran 
to and fro; 

But that was very, very, very, very long ago. 

^ 25 ^ 


My Great-Grandmother 

When my great-grandmother went to school, she 
sat upon a bench; 

She did not study drawing and she did not study 
French; 

She learned to cipher, read, and spell, work sam- 
plers, knit, and sew; 

For that was very, very, very, very long ago. 

When my great-grandmother went to school — so 
different then from now! — 

The girls they had to courtesy, and the boys they 
had to bow; 

And they had rewards of merit that they carried 
home to show. 

Oh, that was very, very, very, very long ago. 

When my great-grandmother went to school, one 
word she could n’t spell, 

And so the darling had to stand — now don’t you 
ever tell I — 

A whole hour in the fireplace! She told me, so I 
know. 

But that was very, very, very, very long ago. 

^ 26 ^ 



WHEN GRANDMOTHER WENT TO SCHOOL 




March 


WHAT IS THE REASON? 

I TOLD Hezekiah to tell Widow Gray 
To tell Mother Brown, next door, 

To tell Dicky Dwight, who goes that way. 

To tell Deacon Barnes, at the store. 

To tell the old stagedriver, Malachi Bean, 

To come for me, sure, and in season; 

But I Ve waited all day, and no stage have I seen; 
Now, what do you think is the reason? 

MARCH 

Make way, make way for mad King March! 

I hear his heralds in the larch 
Above my head. 

Blow on, ye braggart buglers, blow! 

Ye cannot fright us, well we know 
Winter has fled. 

Your king^s wild reign is brief, at best; 
Before the April robins nest, 

Ye will be dead! 


The Little Pianist 


THE LITTLE PIANIST 

One — two — three — four — 
Practicing is such a bore! 

How my little finger aches! 

Wish I did n’t make mistakes! 
One — two — three — four — 
Practicing is such a bore! 

One — two — three — four — 
Guess that’s Bessie at the door; 
Yes, she’s teasing Tommy’s pup 
Wish my quarter-hour was up ! 
One — two — three — four — 
Practicing is such a bore! 

One — two — three — four — 
Oh, it rains! It’s going to pour! 
And my kitty’s out at play; 

I must fetch her right away! 
One — two — three — four — 
Practicing is such a bore! 


A March Thief 


A TENDER MOTHER 

Dame Nature tucks her flowers in bed, 

And piles on blankets soft and warm, 
Then sings them crooning lullabies 

Through the long night of cold and storm. 

But when the golden morning comes. 

And Robin with his flute is here. 

She wakes her children every one 

With, ^^Time to be getting up, my dear!” 


A MARCH THIEF 

A VERY big umbrella and a very little girl 

Went out to walk, one morning, when the wind 
was in a whirl ; 

Up rushed the wind, and overturned an apple- 
woman’s stall. 

Then off he scampered with umbrella, little girl and 
all. 


Archibald Stone’s Mistake 

ARCHIBALD STONE’S MISTAKE 


Archibald Stone is Archie’s name, 

And Daisy Stone, that’s Daisy; 

Mamma’s and papa’s are just the same. 
And mine — why, I am Maisy. 

Daisy and I are twins, you know. 
Exactly eight years old ; 

We are just alike from top to toe. 

And our hair is just like gold. 

And Archie he is almost ten. 

And figures on a slate. 

But does not add up rightly when 
He says we are not eight. 

For I have learned a little song — 

It’s name is ‘'Two Times Two”; 

That ’s why I know that Archie ’s wrong. 
For ’course the song is true. 

Papa says not to worry more. 

Nor vex my little pate; 

But Daisy’s four and I am four, 

And that makes us just eight. 

« 30 X 


A Saucy Boy 


WHAT MATTER? 

What if your coat be patched and old? 

The worth of a coat is easily told. 

A handful of gold will quickly bring 
A coat that is fit for prince or king; 

But an honest heart and a willing hand 
Can never be bought in the whole wide land. 
Remember that patches may cover a boy 
Who will some day be the great world's joy. 
If your soul be pure and your heart be true, 
What can an old coat matter to you? 

A SAUCY BOY 

Oh, he is such a saucy boy. 

And teasing is his chiefest joy! 

When first I step outside my door. 
Good-morning I" in my ears he'll roar. 
He follows me through all the town; 

He pushes me, he pulls my gown. 

I round a corner, and he is there 
To toss and tumble up my hair. 

^ 31 ^ 


What Should Little Children Learn ? 

He flings the dust into my eyes; 

To trip me up he often tries. 

He knocks my hat off with a shout, 
Turns my umbrella inside out, 

Then snatches both to make me run. 
And whistles at his naughty fun. 

He can be sweet as he is arch. 

But, oh, a saucy boy is March! 

WHAT SHOULD LITTLE CHILDREN 
LEARN? 

What should little children learn. 

To insure the best return. 

All in the springtime early? 

How to sing when skies are gray; 

How to smooth another’s way; 

How to smile through bitter tears; 

How to hope away all fears; 

How to carry bravest heart 
Cheerily through every part; 

How to praise a rival’s skill; 

How to yield to wiser will; 

^ 32 ^ 


Alphabet Song 

How to keep the temper sweet; 
How to wait with patient feet; 

How to let a treasure go, 

To relieve another’s woe; 

How to be a little sun, 

Shedding light on every one. 

To insure the best return. 

This should little children learn. 

All in the springtime early. 

ALPHABET SONG 

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, — 

Baby and I will sail the sea; 

H, I, J, K, L, M, N, - 
Across the ocean and back again; 

O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, - 

Now on the railway, choo, choo, choo! 

V and W, X, Y, Z, — 

Home is the best place for baby and me. 


The History of an Easter Egg 


THE HISTORY OF AN EASTER EGG 

Biddy Leghorn owned it first; 

Mistress Capen found it 
In a nice warm nest of hay, 

With some others round it. 

After it was packed with care 
By his daughter Kitty, 

Farmer Capen carried it. 

When he drove to city. 

Grocer Gibson had it next. 

With eleven others 
Put it in a paper bag 

For some bonny brothers. 

Jim and Jacky scudded home 
Fast as they were able; 

Carefully they placed the eggs 
On the kitchen table. 

Biddy Leghorn’s cream-white egg — 

If she could have spied it. 


Unlearned 

In its coat of rosy pink, 

After mother dyed it! 

Very proud was Jacky boy 
Of his Easter token, 

Tossing it and rolling it — 

Queer it was n't broken! 

Elsie had it as a gift, — 

Sad am I to state it, — 

But with one ecstatic look. 

Speedily she ate it! 

UNLEARNED 

He is lovely just to look at. 

With his thoughtful, dark brown eyes 
His gentle face and shining curls, — 

But he is n't very wise. 

Two birthdays he has counted. 

Two dimples he can show; 

Yet he's ignorant of many things 
That little babies know. 

« 35 ^ 


Unlearned 

Though he talks in childish fashion, 

He knows but pretty words, 

And he says them in a voice as sweet 
As the cooing of the birds. 

He smiles at everybody. 

But he has n't learned to fret; 

And angry looks and pouts — dear me. 
He does n't know them yet! 

Oh, everything contents him. 

So he's never learned to tease; 

And kicks and screams — he 's unaware 
There are such things as these. 

But he's lovely just to look at 
And to cuddle and to pet. 

For to wriggle out of loving arms. 

He has n't learned it yet. 

Oh, as at first I told you. 

He is n't very wise ; 

Yet were we all as ignorant. 

Earth might be Paradise. 

^ 36 ^ 


A Song of Easter Eggs 


A SONG OF EASTER EGGS 

Pink and blue and yellow and green — 
Prettiest eggs that ever were seen ! 

Eggs with pictures of birds and bees; 

Eggs with tracings of vines and trees; 
Eggs with gilding, and eggs without; 

Eggs with ribbons round about; 

Beautiful eggs for hands that are small — 
And Little Maid Margery owns them all! 

A big white room where nurses go 
With softest footfalls to and fro; 

Row upon row of little white beds, 

Row upon row of restless heads; 

And Little Maid Margery up and down. 
Carrying eggs in a basket brown — 
Beautiful eggs for hands that are small — 
And the hospital children own them all! 


A Spring Race 


APRIL IS HERE! 

April is here! 

There’s a song in the maple, thrilling and new; 
There’s a flash of wings of the heavens’ own hue; 
There’s a veil of green on the nearer hills; 

There’s a burst of rapture in woodland rills; 

There are stars in the meadow dropped here and 
there ; 

There’s a breath of arbutus in the air; 

There’s a dash of rain, as if flung in jest; 

There’s an arch of color spanning the west; 

April is here! 


A SPRING RACE 

It began and ended with just one boy, 
Christopher Black was he. 

Alert and handsome and straight and tall. 
Just the boy for a race or a game of ball, 
And merry as merry could be. 

S 38 ^ 


A Spring Race 

Christopher Black had a cousin Chris, 

Christopher White was he, 

Lazy and freckled, round-shouldered and short, 
Just the boy in “prisoner’s-base’' to get caught, 
And as happy as happy could be. 

Half a mile to the south from the courthouse steps, 
Chose the Blacks for their cottage’s site; 

Half a mile to the north was another wee house. 
Just a mile between, less the width of a mouse. 
And there lived Christopher White. 

One morning in spring, young Christopher Black 
Set off at a breakneck speed; 

Shortly he passed the Squire’s front gate: — 
‘‘What ’s up?” called the Squire; — “Hold on — 
just wait!” 

But Christopher did not heed. 

“Been stealin’ something,” said old Squire Ben, 
With a wag of his grizzly head ; 

“Do tell!” said the man with the butcher’s steaks; 
“Thief! thief ! ”^ cried the boy with the baker’s 
cakes; 

And away up the road they sped. 

^ 39 ^ 


A Spring Race 

Four minutes brought Chris to the courthouse 
green. 

'‘What’s to pay?” asked lawyers three: 

“Who’s sick?” said the doctor; “Who’s killed?” 
said the judge; 

“What ’s afire? ” said the candlestick-maker, Fudge ; 
And off rushed the six to see. 

Still on, like an arrow, shot Christopher Black, 
Nor glanced at his following throng; — 

Little boys, big boys, women and men. 

And back of them all puffed old Squire Ben, 

For the road was hilly and long. 

At last the boy stopped. “What’s up?” echoed he; 

“Why, it’s April First,” with a grin; 

“I thought I would give Cousin Chris a call. 

And ’t was quicker to run than to walk — that ’s 
all!” 

And softly the door shut him in. 


5 40 ^ 


Polly and Billy 


POLLY AND BILLY 
I’m glad I’m a girl! 

If I had to tramp through the rain and the snow, 
No matter how cold — like my brother, you 
know, — 

And wear my hair short, brushed down straight and 
flat. 

And never have ribbons or flowers on my hat. 

And not play with kittens or dolls — dear me 1 
How perfectly dreadful it would be! 

I ’m glad I ’m a girl ! 

I ’m glad I ’m a boy ! 

If I were cooped up in the house with a doll 
Ev’ry time that it stormed, like my sister Poll, 
And had to wear dresses with frills and lace. 

And keep all those sashes and ribbons in place. 
And never play football or leap-frog — oh, my! 
I’m sure I’d explode! I know I should die! 

I’m glad I’m a boy! 


A Discontented Sparrow 


POOR LITTLE TADPOLE 

A TADPOLE basked on a sunny stone, 

The only stone in the river; 

But a roguish froggy wanted the seat, 

For the spring air made him shiver. 

So he called: *'Ho, laddie, see that big crane!” 

And into the water splashed Taddie; 

While the rogue of a frog leaped up in the sun. 
Crying: ” April Fool, my laddie!” 

A DISCONTENTED SPARROW 

A SONGLESS brown sparrow sat chirping to me. 
Dismally chirping, for things went wrong: 
might just as well be a mouse!” quoth he. 
''What ’s the use of my wings, with never a song? ” 
But he chanced to see pussy ready to spring. 

And this songless brown sparrow flew quickly 
away: 

"Oh, Dm glad I can fly, if I cannot sing!” 

So ran his glad chirping the rest of the day. 

^ 42 ^ 


A Wet Walk 


PUMPKIN PIE 

Pumpkin pie is good to eat, 

Cold and creamy and rich and sweet, 

Good for breakfast and dinner and tea, — 
Who will eat pumpkin pie with me? 

A WET WALK 

Jessie and Julius, Joseph and Jane, 

They all went out for a walk in the rain. 

Four umbrellas the quartette owned. 

But one was lost and two were loaned; 

So under the old remaining one 

They huddled together, and called it fun. 

Faster and faster the big drops came. 

Till it threatened to rival the Flood of fame; 

The roads ran rivers, the paths were filled. 

The walkers waded, weary and chilled. 

They entered their cottage with lusty cheer. 
Drenched and dripping and draggled and drear; 
And Joseph and Julius, Jessie and Jane 
Agreed they would take no more walks in the rain. 

^ 43 & 


Plant a Tree! 


PLANT A TREE! 

Plant a tree! 

Nurture it well! 

Who can tell 

Whom it may shade at noon? 
The insects, the birds, 

The flocks and the herds — 
To them it will be a boon — 
Perchance to thee! 

Plant a tree! 

Plant a tree! 

It will stand 
With a helping hand 
For all that come into its reach. 
The strong, the faint, 

The sinner, the saint — 

What a lesson a tree can teach 
To thee and to me! 

Plant a tree! 


« 44 S! 


A Disappointed Scholar 


A DISAPPOINTED SCHOLAR 

Little Sammy Sloperton 
Went to school in glee. 

‘^There’s lots of things I want to know, 
And now I shall!” said he. 

But back he came that very night 
With drooping heart and head. 

“The teacher does n't know much more 
Than other folks,” he said. 

“I did n’t learn a single thing, 

’Cept d-o-o-r, door. 

And one and one and one make three — 
And those I knew before! 

“When I asked teacher why the stars 
Were n’t right straight in a row. 

Instead of being all mixed up. 

She said she did n’t know. 

“She could n’t tell meVhen they’ll build 
A railroad to the sun. 


Anticipation 

Or how the smell grows in a flower,” 
Said Sammy Sloperton. 

^ I thought that teacher 'd know right off 
What makes red roses red, 

But, oh, she does n't know much more 
Than other folks!” he said. 

ANTICIPATION 

I AM going to plant a hickory tree. 

And then, when I am a man. 

My boys and girls may come and eat 
Just all the nuts they can! 

And I shall say, ^'My children dear. 
This tree that you enjoy 

I set for you one Arbor Day, 

When I was but a boy.” 

And they will answer, ‘^Oh, how kind 
To plant for us this tree!” 

And then they'll crack the fattest nuts. 
And give them all to me! 


A Happy Family 
TWO LITTLE HOUSEMAIDS 
folly’s week 

There’s a wrinkle here and a wrinkle there, 
And bunches from foot to head; 

The blankets are hanging flippity-flop, 

They ’re out at the bottom and up at the top, 
And all seems going hippity-hop. 

When Polly makes the bed. 

molly’s week 

The sheets are straight and smooth and firm. 
The wrinkles all have fled; 

The blankets and spread are tucked in tight, 
The pillows are always plumped just right. 

And you sleep in peace from dark to light. 
When Molly makes the bed. 

A HAPPY FAMILY 

A little white hen, a duck, and a mouse, 
Together they lived in a little white house. 

The mouse went to market on dark, dark nights. 
And they ate cake and cheese with keen appetites. 
« 47 ^ 


The Arch of Elms 

They ate cheese and cake till the mouse broke his 
leg, 

Then the little white hen laid a little white egg. 
The duck took them sailing when T was fine 
weather, 

And so they lived happily, all three together. 


THE ARCH OF ELMS 

At noontide, on a sultry day, 

Two travelers walked a shady way. 
Where elm trees lifted high an arch 
That fiercest sun-rays could not parch; 
Said one: God bless the kindly hand 
That set this archway cool and grand!” 
The other cried: ”Ah, who can say 
What comfort yields this leafy way ! 
Better such monument of green 
Than marble pile of king or queen.” 


A Good Lesson 


A GOOD LESSON 

What a stupid old thing!” said little Chick Buff; 
“I hope he is ugly and awkward enough! 

Do you s’pose he can move? Such a time he has 
sat, 

Staring and blinking, just like that!” 

ril tell you what,” quoth little Chick Brown, 
^‘He’s the slowest creature in all this town! 

Let's hurry him up! I 'll give him a poke!” 

But alas and alas! for just as she spoke 
Mr. Toad gave a big — a very big — jump, 

And tumbled the chicks over, bumpety-bump ! 
^‘Excuse me,” he said, ''but I 'd have you to know. 
Though it may be I'm stupid, I'm not always 
slow!” 

Then he jumped on his way, while little Chick Buff 
Ran off with Chick Brown in a terrible huff; 

To Grandmother Biddy their small feet sped: 

" I hope you have learned a good lesson!” she said. 


Our Cupboard of C’s 


OUR CUPBOARD OF C’S 

When company comes we can take our ease, 

For we Ve only to turn to our Cupboard of C's, 
And here are chickens and cutlets and corn, 

With celery, too, the plates to adorn; 

WeVe cabbages, carrots, and curried croquettes 
And cocoanut candy in crispy rosettes; 

We Ve codfish and cauliflower, crackers and cream. 
And chowder from clams that are fresh from the 
stream ; 

We Ve crullers and cookies and cinnamon cake. 
And crystallized compounds that clever cooks 
make; 

We Ve cocoa and coffee and chocolate, too. 

And caraway crumpets delicious to chew; 

WeVe crab apples, cranberries, cherries, and 
cheese — 

Oh, ’tis a comfort, our Cupboard of C’s! 


Party Gowns 


A QUESTION 

They plant them by the schoolhouse, they plant 
them by the mill, 

They plant them where the branches will shade 
their own doorsill, 

They plant them by the roadside, those maples, 
elms and birches; — 

But why don't people plant them around the coun- 
try churches? 

PARTY GOWNS 

Dear Mother Nature sat up late 
To finish gowns for the May-Day fSte; 

At last, the dainty robes were done. 

To folding and scenting, every one; 

‘‘Ten million gowns, in all," she said, 

“I’m tired enough to go to bed!" 


I 'm Thinking 

I’M THINKING 


Papa says I must go to school, 

To read and spell and write, 

And then, maybe, to college, too. 

If I study with all my might; 

I am four years old, and I 'm pretty tall. 
But Pm thinking I never can learn it all! 

Aunt Nell says I must learn to sew. 

To overcast, stitch, and fell. 

And learn to play the piano, too. 

And the violin, as well; 

I am four years old, and I ’m pretty tall. 
But Pm thinking I never can learn it all! 

Grandma says I must learn to knit. 

And to crochet beautiful lace. 

Aunt Nan says she shall teach me to draw. 
And to copy the baby's face; 

I am four years old, and I 'm pretty tall. 
But I 'm thinking I never can learn it all ! 

Mamma says I must learn to cook. 

And to make nice bread and cake, 

^ 52 ^ 


The Princes of Edenbay 

And puddings and salads and jellies, too, 
And to broil and steam and bake; 

I am four years old, and I 'm pretty tall. 

But Tm thinking I NEVER can learn it all! 


THE COMING OF MAY 

*^This way, this way, comes the Princess May!’^ 
The glad bird-heralds sing. 

And through orchard lane, in the path of the train 
The flowers sweet odors fling. 


THE PRINCES OF EDENBAY 

There were two little princes of Edenbay, 
Princes I Can’t and I Can; 

And to school they went on the very first day 
That the very first school began. 

And the Prince I Can’t took a poor little whim 
Into his royal head; 

And whenever a task was given to him, 
can’t! I can’t!” he said. 


A Day of Misdeeds 

Now he was a prince who had his way, 

And a poor little way ’t was, too! 

For he nothing did from day to day 
Save just what he wanted to do. 

But his brother I Can, a younger lad. 

Was made on a different plan. 

For to every single lesson he had 
He would say, can! I can!’' 

So wise and great grew the Prince I Can, 

By doing as he was bid’; 

But the other became an ignorant man. 

And naught that was good he did. 

These princes’ descendants you ’ll find to-day 
Wherever is civilized man; 

The '' I Can’t!” folks who have had their way. 
And the people who say, can!” 

A DAY OF MISDEEDS 

Betty struck the baby, and hurried off to school; 

Libby lost her spelling-book, playing by a pool; 

Eliza got a tardy mark for loitering so long; 

^ 54 ^ 


Miss Mouse’s Longing 

Bessie played in study time, although she knew 
’twas wrong; 

Betsey drew a picture of the teacher on her slate;' 

Lisa made an ugly face when told to bound a state ; 

Lizzie whispered in her class, and said she did n’t 
care; 

Elise teased little Trotty Brown and tumbled up 
her hair; 

But Elizabeth, the little girl who was alone to 
blame. 

Said, tearfully, “I’m sorry!” when the bedtime 
moment came. 


MISS MOUSE’S LONGING 

Little Miss Mouse 

Ran through the great house. 

Coming out in the pantry with satisfied squeak; 
“If I had but a pocket,” 

She sighed, “I could stock it 
With dainties enough to last me a week!” 


May Has Come 


GEOGRAPHICAL ATTRACTION 

We've hunted the maps all over, 

To see where we 'd like to go, 

And I have decided on Turkey, 

And Mabel on Mexico. 

I wish we could go next summer. 

For they're lovely places, we think: 
Mexico 's blue as the sky is. 

And Turkey is all bright pink!" 

MAY HAS COME 

May has come! I hear the breeze 
Whispering it among the trees. 

And the brown bees buzz it over 
To the nodding buds of clover; 
Then the blossoms take it up. 
Dandelion and buttercup. 

May has come! May has come!" 
How the happy voices hum ! 

Robins carol it aloft. 

Sparrows chirp it in the croft, 

« 56 ^ 


When All the World Goes Maying 

? And the little meadow brook 
Laughs it out in every nook; 

Fond doves coo it, each to each; 
Everything seems given speech; 

Even baby lisped to-day 

Her first word — oh, merry May! 

A COMPLAINT 

Quoth fair Miss Bloodroot, in a pet: 

‘^My May gown is nT finished yet! 

Dame Nature fits me well, but, oh. 

Like all modistes, she is so slow!’’ 

WHEN ALL THE WORLD GOES MAYING 

Oh, that will be a merry time. 

When all the world goes Maying! 

From every tower, in every clime. 

The bells will ring, the bells will chime. 
When all the world goes Maying! 

Then sorrowing folk will all grow gay. 

And care will go a-straying; 

^ 57 ^ 


The Loyal Three 

And busy folk will stop to play, 

And wrong will cease for one sweet day, 
When all the world goes Maying! 

Weakness will walk in strength’s own guise. 
And time will make delaying. 

And love will shine from out all eyes. 

And wisdom will have grown more wise, 
When all the world goes Maying! 

Then prison doors will widely swing. 

Pain will go roundelaying. 

Banners will wave, and anthems ring. 

And every voice will laugh and sing. 

When all the world goes Maying! 

THE LOYAL THREE 

Three little schoolmates, glad and gay. 
Went arm in arm in a charming way, — 
Lou, and Lila, and Lisbeth Lee, 

As merry a trio as one might see. 

Three little girls went home from school — 
One by one they passed the pool. 


The Loyal Three 

Over the bridge, and by the mill, 

Round the church, and down the hill. 

One by one, in single file, 

With never a word, and never a smile; 

Now what do you think could the matter be 
With Lou, and Lila, and Lisbeth Lee? 

Why, a little jealous, whispering tongue 
Over and over again had swung. 

Telling to Lila, and Lisbeth, and Lou, 

Things that were twisted and half untrue. 

And three little girls believed them all 
Till the worrying whispers rose, a wall. 
Shutting them out from friendly fun 
To walk in silence one by one, — 

One little tongue against these three, 

Lou, and Lila, and Lisbeth Lee. 

But Lou was a wise little, frank little maid. 
Whose moments of anger seldom stayed. 

Her sweet, '‘Did you say it?” brought, quick 
as a wink, 

"Of course, we did n’t! — We’d never think 
S 59 ^ 


Little Prince and I 

Such a silly thing — Did you say so?'^ 

And you should have heard the, '^No! No! No 
Then Lou, and Lila, and Lisbeth Lee 
Were arm in arm again — loyal three! 


LITTLE PRINCE AND I 

We spoke a piece at school to-day. 

My little Prince and 1. 

I did nT want to speak alone; 

They said I was too shy; 

But, finally, I made my bow. 

And little Prince, he said, “Bow-wow!’’ 

The piece was ’bout a little girl 
Who was, oh, dreadful bad! 

So bad that all her family 
Felt very, very sad. 

I said, “They cried; I’ll show you how!’’ 
And little Prince, he said, “Bow-wow!’’ 

It ended ’bout the little girl 
Growing to be so good, 

^ 60 ^ 


An Excursion 

That her dear mother and her friends 
Are in the happiest mood; 

I said, ‘‘They all laugh, this way, now!” 
Then little Prince, he said, “Bow-wow!” 


BOUGHT — A BREAKFAST 

Little brown birds on the window-sill. 

Shyly alert, and busy with bill, 

Coming and going, and eating their fill — 

All on a wintry morning. 

Little brown birds will pay us, I know, 

For their breakfast given in time of snow, 

By gobbling the bugs ere they Ve time to grow — 
All on a May-Day morning. 


AN EXCURSION 

Missy Trot and Master Dot 
Ran away together; 

Said Master Dot to Missy Trot, 
“It's very cloudy weather!” 
^ 6i ^ 


A Daisy’s Mission 

Said Missy Trot to Master Dot, 
fink it's doin' to wain!" 

And when the first drop tumbled down 
They both ran home again. 


SCATTER FLOWERS 

Oh, children sweet, stay your merry feet. 

To gather the blossoms of spring. 

And over the graves of our country's braves 
Scatter the flowers ye bring! 

Of the blue or the gray, what matter to-day! 

For each some fond heart weeps; 

So, children dear, make the spot less drear 
Wherever a soldier sleeps. 


A DAISY'S MISSION 

'‘I AM going to blossom," a daisy said, 
''Though the weather is cold and bleak." 
"What for?" said a neighbor, lifting her head, 
"It's too early yet by a week.” 

5 62 ^ 


To Some Little Southern Girl 

Said the daisy, voice is whispering, ‘Speed!’ 

So I’m wanted somewhere, I know.” 

“Well, I am too wise such voices to heed, — 
How silly you are to go!” 

Memorial Day dawned cool and bright, 

The sun his warm rays gave. 

And there gleamed a star of purest white 
On a soldier’s lonely grave. 


TO SOME LITTLE SOUTHERN GIRL 

My grandpa went to war long years ago, — 

I never saw him, but they told me so. 

And how, after a battle, sad news came. 

Among the “Missing” was my grandpa’s name. 

They never heard of him again, they said. 

And so we know that grandpa must be dead ; 
And when I think of him, so good and brave, 

I wish we knew where he had found a grave. 

When Decoration Day comes, every year, 

I feel so sad, and sometimes shed a tear, 

63 ^ 


Magic Buttons 

To see the soldiers' graves all spread with flowers, 
While grandpa cannot have one rose of ours. 

So if some little Southern girl should know 
A nameless grave where never blossoms grow, 

I 'd love her so, if there some flowers she'd lay. 

For grandpa's sake, this Decoration Day. 

A Little Northern Girl. 

MAGIC BUTTONS 

^'Rtch man, poor man, beggar man, thief, 

Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief!" — 

Thus sang Isabelle, Bessie, and Kate, 

And each hoped the rich man would be her fate. 

Button by button, till Belle's row was done; 

How her face brightened! — The rich man had 
won! 

** Perhaps he'll be even a prince," said she, 

‘‘And we'll live in a palace far over the sea!" 

Poor Bessie, alas! had buttons four; 

Though she counted again, she could make no more ; 
^ 64 ^ 


Magic Buttons 

None under the collar, where one might hide: — 
“You’ll have to marry a thief!” they cried. 

“Merchant, chief,” so counted Kate; 

Was a swarthy savage to be her mate? 

But, no! — three buttons on either pocket. 

And still another beneath her locket. 

Four on one sleeve, and two on the other: 

She’s to marry a doctor, as did her mother. 

“Oh, dear,” sighed Kate; “but” (turning toward 
Bess) 

“ That’s better than wedding a thief, I guess! ” 

But sorrowful Bess was nowhere seen; 

Kate looked at Isabelle. — What could it mean? 
“She was vexed,” said Belle, “at the way it came 
out. 

And she’s in the house, crying, — I haven’t a 
doubt.” 

Then, hearing a step, they turned their eyes. 

And there stood Bessie, to their surprise. 

In her Sunday gown, of pale sky-blue. 

With its buttons of silver, bright and new! 

S 65 ^ 


Old Uncle Joe 


'‘I could uH marry a thief,” said Bess, 

“And so I went in to change my dress; 

Just wait a minute, — Tm almost through, — 
Vm to marry a rich man^ as well as you!*' 

“Dear me,” cried Belle, in sudden grief, 

“By my new dress I should marry a thief! 
There’s a dozen buttons, — I know that well; 
Oh! how are we ever going to tell?” 

“It’s all a humbug!” said Kate, at last. 

Her faith in the magic vanishing fast; — 

“ I tell you, a charm can never come true 
That depends on an extra button or two!” 

OLD UNCLE JOE 

We were laden with flowers, Jean and I, 

For the soldiers’ graves. Memorial Day, 

When we passed Uncle Joe’s small cottage by. 
Uncle Joe on the doorstep, wrinkled and gray. 

“Shall I carry him these?” Jean whispered low. 
And ere I could answer away she flew, 

^ 66 ^ 


An Open Secret 

And the black, withered hands of old Uncle Joe 
Held the choicest blooms that my garden 
knew. 

‘‘You should keep them all for the soldiers, 
Jean!” 

I said in reproof as the child came back; 

“But he was a soldier, too, Christine, 

And he is so old and lame and black!” 

“Yet those were to put on the graves, you see.” 

She drooped for a moment her golden head. 
Then her eyes grew bright: “It seems to me 
He will like them as well as if he were dead.” 


AN OPEN SECRET 

The lily breathed it in my ear; 

The oriole trilled it, soft but clear; 

I caught it in the bee's low hum; 
This open secret, “June has come!” 


A Tragedy 


THE TAMBOURINE GIRL 

Here is a bright little tambourine girl, 

Shaking her tambourine, whirl-i-ty- whirl. 

Over her head with a clink-e-ty-clink, 
Ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling, chink-e-ty-chink ! 
Knocking it now, with a thrum, thrum, thrum. 
Tossing it, catching it, turn, turn, turn! 

Shaking her tambourine, whirl-i-ty-whirl — 
Graceful, beautiful tambourine girl! 

A TRAGEDY 

All was commotion in Hillock Town, 

The people were hurrying up and down. 

Each with as much as his arms could hold. 

And all were terrified, young and old. 
Empty-handed of all that crowd. 

One little creature wailed aloud; 

*‘My father and mother are buried,” cried she, 
^‘Beneath the leaves of the plantain tree; 

My brothers and sisters are dying or dead. 

And no one is left but me!” she said; 


A Young Bridge-Builder 

Those giants are all such horrible folk, 

They ruin our homes, and think it a joke!'’ 
And the poor little thing ran up and down 
With the hurrying throngs in Hillock Town. 

This is what happened when Reginald Gunn 
Stamped on some ant-hills, just for fun. 


HOUSEKEEPING 

Two bright little girls, named Susie and May, 
Kept house for papa a week and a day; 

One cooked and washed dishes, one kept the rooms 
clean. 

And when mamma came, all was fit for a queen. 


A YOUNG BRIDGE-BUILDER 

They say it takes a year to build 
Some bridges — I must laugh! 

I 've dug a ditch and made a bridge 
In 'bout an hour 'n' a half! 

« 69 S 


The Brave Buffalo 

Of course, mine ’s not so big as some, 
Though it's a good one, now! 

But a whole long year for just one bridge! 
My, those folks can't know how! 

THE BRAVE BUFFALO 

There once was a Brave Buffalo 
Who went with a Wild West Show 
From city to city. 

And — more was the pity ! — 

His life was filled with woe. 

He would plead to go back to the West, 
To the prairie once more, and rest; 

But his keepers said, “No! 

You're a part of this show. 

The spiciest part and the best." 

One day, when his food ran low. 

This sorrowful. Brave Buffalo 

Mused and mused, while the folks 
Cheered the clown's silly jokes. 

Till the bell struck — his time to go. 

« 70 ^ 


The Brave Buffalo 

Still dreaming, he went through his tricks, 
Climbed ladders, and jumped over sticks; 
Then he stepped to the front, 

As was always his wont; 

But he found himself in a fix! 

He ’d forgotten the words of his speech. 
They had gone quite out of his reach; 

So he boldly began 
A sermon to Man, 

And he shot burning glances at each. 

He dwelt on the wrongs of his race. 

How, driven from place to place. 

The few that were left 
Were of kinsfolk bereft, — 

He declared T was a cowardly chase. 

*^My father,’' he cried, ''you slew! 

My brothers and sisters, too! 

You have scattered my kin. 

But my freedom I ’ll win, — 

And now I will scatter youl" 


Six Little Brothers 

With a dash he leapt forth on his foe, 
And, oh, how those people did go! 

They ran left and right 
In a terrible fright, — 

And free was the Brave Buffalo! 

IN JUNE 

Roses by the garden wall, 

Poppies red and lilies tall, 

Bobolinks and robins — all 
Tell that June is here. 

Mornings fragrant, clear and cool. 
Dragon-flies by wayside pool, 

Children tired to death*’ of school — 
Tell that June is here. 

SIX LITTLE BROTHERS 

Six little brothers in a snug house. 

Each one gentle and still as a mouse; 
Comes an intruder and pushes them out. 
Never you see a frown or a pout; 

5 72 S 


Saying and Doing 

Poor little brothers! down they go 
Over the fire for dinner — oh! 

Guess you my riddle, Goldenrod? 

Who are the brothers? — Six peas in a pod! 

SAYING AND DOING 

WHAT DAISY SAID 
^‘If I’d a carriage all my own,” 

Said little Daisy Wood, 

^^I’m sure I would not ride alone. 

Like Miss Rebecca Hood; 

I ’d ask poor people, large and small. 

Who never go to ride at all; 

I’d be so kind and good.” 

WHAT DAISY DID 
‘^Oh! take your dirty dolly, Ben, 

And don’t you ever dare 
To put her in my cart again 
With lovely Lady Clare! 

That horrid thing, all rags and dust. 

Has soiled my lady’s dress, and mussed 
Her pretty golden hair.” 

S 73 & 


A Song of Summer 


A SONG OF SUMMER 

The flowers are fringing the swift meadow brooks, 

The songsters are nesting in shadowy nooks; 

The birds and the blossoms are thronging to meet 
us, 

With loveliness, perfume, and music they greet 
us, — 

For Summer, the beautiful, reigns! 

The bobolink tilts on the tall, nodding clover. 

And sings his gay song to us over and over; 

The wild roses beckon, with deepening blushes. 

And sweet, from the wood, sounds the warble of 
thrushes, — 

For Summer, the beautiful, reigns! 

The white lilies sway with the breeze of the morning, 

In raiment more fair than a monarch’s adorning; 

The bright-throated hummingbird, marvel of fleet- 
ness. 

Comes questing for honey-blooms, draining their 
sweetness, — 

For Summer, the beautiful, reigns! 

S 74 S 


From Two Points of View 

High up in the elm is the oriole courting, 

A new suit of velvet and gold he is sporting; > 
With gay bits of caroling, tuneful and mellow. 

He wooes his fair lady-love, clad in plain yellow, — 
For Summer, the beautiful, reigns! 

The blossoms and birds bring us, yearly, sweet 
token 

That Nature’s glad promises never are broken. 
Then sing, happy birdlings, nor ever grow weary! 
Laugh on, merry children, ’t is time to be cheery! — 
For Summer, the beautiful, reigns! 


FROM TWO POINTS OF VIEW 

FROM THE SICK POINT 

I ’VE got the mumps, — it’s horrid, too! 

You’d better run home quick as a wink. 
Or I shall give the mumps to you; 
Good-bye, I’m going to die, I think! 

Mamma, do send Louise away. 

She just stands there and laughs at me! 

^ 75 ^ 


Daisytown Gossip 

What is it that’s so funny, pray? 

I think you’re mean as mean can be! 

I guess you would n’t think ’t was fun, 

If you could n’t eat a single mite, 

Not any strawberries, no, not one! 

And had to keep your mouth shut tight! 

FROM THE WELL POINT 

So you did take the mumps of me! 

Well, ’t is n’t anything! — but, oh. 

How funny you do look, te-hee! 

Like that fat circus-boy, ho! ho! 

DAISYTOWN GOSSIP 

Oh, what is the matter in Daisytown? 

Have you heard what it’s all about? 

I ’ve asked the robins over and over. 

The bumblebees and the tall red clover. 
But I really can’t find out. 

There is something astir in Daisytown, 
For the whole of this bright June day, 

^ 76 ^ 


Daisytown Gossip 

The daisy-maids and a prince with a feather 

Have been nodding and gossiping all together 
In a most astonishing way. 

I questioned a bobolink down by the brook, 

But he was a tricksy bird; 

For he sung and he sung, and he laughed and he 
laughed, 

Till I thought the fellow had gone clean daft, 

And I could n’t make out one word. 

Some pansies smiled up into my face 
With lovely violet eyes; 

But I queried in vain, though I knew they knew, 

For their butterfly callers were not a few. 

And they looked so saucy and wise. 

Oh, they keep their secrets all to themselves. 

The woods and the fields, that’s clear. 

If I were a fairy I’d find them out, 

I would know what Daisytown gossips about; 

But I ’m only a girl, — oh, dear! 


5 77 X 


Two Little Toads 


TWO LITTLE TOADS 

Over the fields, by the westward hill, 

Close to the murmuring mountain rill, 

Two little toads lived under a wall. 

Two little toads, and that was all. 

One was foolish, and one was wise. 

And they both had queer little, round little eyes. 
Said the foolish toad: ''Suppose this wall 
Should crumble, and bury us in its fall! 

What should we do? Oh, dear; oh, dear! 

A heavy load is the weight of fear!’’ 

Said the wise little toad: "This wall has stood 
For years, and still it is solid and good; 

And I think we need not worry or fret 
About what never has happened yet.” 

So the wise little toad went on his way. 

And the foolish toad grew wise each day; 

And they lived in their home, so snug and neat. 
Happy, with plenty of bugs to eat. 

And for aught I know they live there still. 

Over the fields, by the westward hill. 


True to her Name 

IMPOLITE 

A NIGHTINGALE sang to the moon all night, 

And what did the moon-man say? 

He looked rather shy, 

From his seat in the sky. 

And quietly slipped away. 

TRUE TO HER NAME 

In the little hamlet of Daisyoak 

There lived a maiden named Cicely Croak, 

As bright and comely a country lass 
As ever peeped into a looking-glass; 

But life with Cicely seemed askew, 

For her favorite color was indigo blue; 

And true to her name, she would croak and croak. 
Till it came to pass as a family joke 
That Cicely 'd push the world down hill. 

And tumble after it, croaking still. 

If the weather were cold, she knew she should 
freeze. 

And she’d wrap her in furs from her head to her 
knees; 

^ 79 ^ 


True to her Name 

If the weather were hot, ’t was going to be hotter, 
And they all would perish for lack of water; 

And a cloud in the west would surely bring 
A thunderstorm, cyclone, or some such thing; 

If the baby 'd a pain or the father an ache, 

Pretty Cicely's curls would go shakety-shake, 

And she'd prophesy death, and arouse their fears. 
Till brothers and sisters were all in tears. 

And thus said the people of Daisyoak, 

‘^True to her name is Cicely Croak." 

One fine June morning it befell 
That good Mrs. Croak had eggs to sell ; 

So Cicely, donning her dark blue gown, 

Set off on the road to Barleytown — 

To Barleytown, with its walls and spires. 

Its market-place, and its crowds of buyers. 

Oh, Barleytown on a market-day 
Was a place where Cicely loved to stay! 

But miles of woodland lay between 
Fair Barleytown and these hills of green. 

And Cicely thought, with a little shiver. 

Of the lonely road by the winding river. 

And the gruesome forest just at hand, 

^ 8o ^ 


True to her Name 

Whose depths might shelter a robber band. 

A robber band! and her heart beat fast 
As rabbit or squirrel darted past; 

A robber band! and Cicely Croak 
Wished she were home in Daisyoak. 

She had often traversed this selfsame way, 
And ever before till this very day 
The weather had met her mind's demands, 
She had never bethought her of robber bands. 
But now it was neither too hot nor too cold. 
And the sunshine flooded the land with gold ; 
Not a cloud was afloat in the clear blue sky. 
And the breeze was sweet as it drifted by. 

At length, through the stillness. Cicely heard 
A sound that was neither of beast nor bird — 
A lightsome whistle — and swift she scanned 
The road and the fields on either hand; 

But no living thing could she espy. 

Save a startled wren and a butterfly. 

Still louder and louder the whistling grew. 
Then, rounding a corner, came in view 
A^youth in a broad-brimmed steeple hat. 
Leading a heifer sleek and fat — 

^ 8i ^ 


True to her Name 


A handsome youth in a suit of gray, 

With a bright red rose, befitting the day. 

Thought Cicely: *^Only a farmer’s son! 

How glad I am that I did not run!” 

Then she stole sly glances up and down 
The folds and frills of her dark blue gown. 

And she thought to herself, with a flush of red. 
We shall meet at the cross-roads just ahead.” 

The whistling ceased. *^A right merry day,” 
Said the stranger youth in the suit of gray. 
And Cicely courtesied with maidenly grace. 
While she noted the honest, cheery face. 

The bright knee-buckles and silken hose. 

The pointed hat and the red, red rose. 

‘'My name,” said the youth, “is Hilary Hope; 
I come from the village of Silverslope 
To sell my heifer at Barleytown, 

And to buy my mother a new silk gown. 

So if, fair maiden, you go my way. 

You will let me walk beside, I pray; 

For two on a lonely road,” quoth he, 

“Are better than one, as you ’ll agree.” 

^ 82 ^ 


True to her Name 

Then Cicely dimpled and drooped her head, 
‘‘lam glad of your company, sir,’' she said; 

“’T is always stupid to walk alone. 

And two are better than one, I own.” 

And thus they came into Barleytown, 

The pointed hat and the dark blue gown. 

The eggs and the heifer were quickly sold 
For goodly prices in shining gold. 

And Cicely helped to choose the silk. 

And the beautiful lace as white as milk. 

That were bought by the loving Hilary Hope 
For the dear old mother in Silverslope. 

And they looked at this and they talked of that. 
And they laughed at the tricks of a showman’s cat, 
And they ate their luncheon of cake and cheese 
Under the spreading chestnut-trees. 

And Cicely’s heart was as light as her toes. 

And she wore on her bosom a cream-white rose. 

As the days sped onward, all the folk 
Listened in vain for Cicely’s croak. 

The wind might howl and the rain might pour. 
But Cicely only would laugh the more, 

^ 83 ^ 


True to her Name 

With never a frown to mar the grace 
Of the joyous brow and the winsome face; 

And father and mother, wondering, smiled. 

Saying, ^'What can have come over the child? 
And the children, talking among themselves. 

Said that a charm had been wrought by the elves — 
Those curious creatures, wrinkled and brown. 
Who lived in the forest of Barley town. 

And Cicely heard, but she did not say 
How she came to see T was the happier way 
To be cheery and brave, and to hope for the 
best, 

Than to croak and fear and be ever distressed. 

So onward the moments merrily rolled. 

Whether the skies were gray or gold. 

A wedding followed all in good time. 

With a feast, a dance, and a nuptial rhyme. 

And Cicely’s heart was as light as her toes, 

And she wore on her bosom a cream-white rose. 
And thus say the people of Silverslope, 

‘‘True to her name is Cicely Hope.” 



THE RAIN FAYS 





The Rain-Fays 


THE RAIN-FAYS 

Midsummer’s day was scarce begun, 

When I spied fairies in the flowers; 

But sunbeams caught them, one by one. 

And shut them up in cloudy towers. 

How they escaped I cannot tell. 

These sweet rain-fays, but one great shout 

Sounded from that cloud citadel. 

As they came rushing, tumbling out. 

All merrily they skipped and danced 
Along the road from heaven to earth. 

And on my window-sill they pranced. 

With tinkling laughter, full of mirth. 

Then swift they vanished, silently; 

But from the arch that spanned the sky 

These sweet rain-fays smiled back at me. 

In robes of gold and crimson dye. 


^ 85 ^ 


A Tale of Midsummer* s Evening 

LITTLE BETTINE: A SWINGING SONG 

Swinging, swinging, little Bettine, 

Prettiest lassie that ever was seen; 

Swinging, swinging. 

Up where the long, lithe branches blow, 

Down where the white, swaying lilies grow; 
Swinging, swinging, little Bettine, 

Under the larches cool and green. 

Swinging, swinging, little Bettine, 
Blossom-crowned, like a summer queen; 

Swinging, swinging. 

Up where the robin hides his nest, 

Down where the brown bee keeps her quest; 
Swinging, swinging, little Bettine, 

Under the larches cool and green. 

A TALE OF MIDSUMMER’S EVENING 

Three little owls in a juniper tree. 

Merry and tricksy as owls could be. 

And each one eager for some new glee. 

All on a Midsummer’s Evening. 

^ 86 


Polly 

Three little boys as nimble as hares, 

Bent on stealing a widow's pears, 

Telling wild stories of elves and bears. 

All on a Midsummer’s Evening. 

Let’s scare the cowards!” the owlets said. 
Then ‘ ^ T u-whoo — whoo — whoo 1 ’ ’ sounded 
quick overhead, 

^^Tu-whoo!” and homeward the six heels sped, 
All on a Midsummer’s Evening. 

Said the biggest owlet: '‘Oh, was n’t it fun!” 
Said the middling owlet: “Oh, did n’t they run 
“But the pears are safe!” said the littlest one. 
All on a Midsummer’s Evening. 

POLLY 

Polly’s the merriest girl I know; 

She’s packed full of gladness from top to toe; 
She keeps the household brimful of fun 
From early morning till day is done. 

If you’re ever so doleful, or even in tears. 
You’ll have to laugh when Polly appears; 

S 87 


Secrets 


And, truly, there ’s hardly a chance to be blue. 
For Polly is cheerfulness, through and through. 
Oh, none so merry as Polly I see. 

And Polly 's the girl — the girl for me! 


SECRETS 

Where is the dearest place to lie? 

The very best place to laugh or cry? 

In the whole wide world, from east to west. 
The safest, warmest, coziest nest? 

Only the babies know — 

The glad, glad babies know! 

What is most precious to have and to hold? 
Worth more than its weight in rubies or gold? 
The fairest, purest, loveliest thing 
That earth can give and Heaven can bring? 
Only the mothers know — 

The glad, glad mothers know! 


SL 88 ^ 


The Family Fourth 


THE FAMILY FOURTH 

Reading the grand old Declaration, 

Proud of our independent nation; 

Handling a musket, rusty and old. 

That could not be bought for its weight in 
gold; 

Telling the children of patriots true. 
Snapping torpedoes to please Baby Lou — 
That's grandfather's Fourth of July. 

Riding Sir Ronald, fearless and staid. 

So making a part of the grand parade; 
Taking the youngsters to see the sights. 
Treating to peanuts and such delights; 
Buying sky-rockets, balloons, and wheels. 
And sending them off amid joyous squeals — 
That's father's Fourth of July. 

Dreaming of horns before it is light. 

Waking to toot one with all his might; 

Firing of crackers, score upon score. 

Making more racket than ever before; 

5 89 ^ 


A Goose 


Up to all mischief, early and late, 

That ever was known to a boy of eight — 
That’s Tommy’s Fourth of July. 

Dressing the children in best array 
To view the procession, this gala day; 
Patching burned places in jacket and shoe. 
Kissing the cheek where the powder flew ; 
Bandaging Tommy from foot to head. 

And seeing him finally safe in bed — 
That’s mother’s Fourth of July. 


A GOOSE 

Run along, Benny Boy! Do not turn back! 

Geese will not hurt you with their quack, quack, 
quack. 

What! not going? Why, you foolish little elf! 
Who’s afraid of geese is a goose himself! 


^ 90 


Doll Bertha takes a Nap 


A SUMMER DAY 

‘What are you doing, little Marcella, 

This bright summer day with a big umbrella?'' 
‘ I am walking abroad where the flowers grow. 
And all in a minute the sun may go; 

But I 'm perfectly safe under this umbrella. 

In case it should SNOW!" said little Marcella. 

DOLL BERTHA TAKES A NAP 

Come, Bertha, I 've swung your hammock 
Right under the lilac tree. 

And I 'm going to swing you to sleep there. 

For it's shady as shady can be. 

There's a dear little nest up above you 
Where the hummingbirds come and go. 

And you can look up and watch them 
As you swing, dear, to and fro. 

Not all dolls own such a hammock — 

I hope you appreciate this! 

5 91 ^ 


One Little Firecracker 

And you look as you lie there, darling, 

As if hammock-swinging were bliss. 

Do you see the pretty cloud-shadows 
As over the lawn they creep? 

And the roses — why, Bertha, my darling! 
Sh! sh! — she is fast asleep! 


ONE LITTLE FIRECRACKER 

One little firecracker, eager for a lark; 

Two little shavings ready for a spark; 

Three little papers in a pretty little blaze; 
Four little flames going all sorts of ways; 

Five little dry sticks just in trim to burn; 

Six old timbers waiting for their turn; 

Seven great stories full of fire and fright; 
Eight burning buildings — such a sorry sight ! 
Nine big blocks — up in flames they leap! 

Ten million dollars in a blackened heap! 


S 92 ^ 


The River and the Sea 

THE RIVER AND THE SEA 

Dolly and Polly and David and Dan 
Ran the way that the river ran; 

‘'We’re going to find the sea!” they cried, — 
“The beautiful sea, so blue and wide!” 

They followed the river, by bush and brier. 

The rippling river, through mead and mire; 
They ran and ran till the day grew dim. 

And a little bird sang his vesper hymn ; 

Till twilight deepened and stars came out. 

And the gay little fireflies danced about; 

Then hushed was all their laughter and glee, — 
They sighed, “We never can find the sea!” 

Dolly and Polly and David and Dan 
Turned them about, and they homeward ran; 
They ran and ran, till in mother’s arms 
They were folded safe from the night’s alarms. 

To-day they play by the riverside. 

Filled with content and an honest pride; 

“Our river is lovely,” the four agree; 

“It is just as beautiful as the sea!” 

^ .93 ^ 


A Secret 


HIS PORTRAIT 

going to have my picture taken!” 
Benny Penny cried, 

And strutted all around the house 
In very pompous pride. 

But when he stood out on the lawn 
Beside his brother Jack, 

He wheeled about in sudden fright. 
And only showed — his back! 


A SECRET 

What do you think is in our back yard? 

Perhaps you can guess, if you try real hard. 

It is n’t a puppy or little white mice, 

But it’s something that’s every bit as nice! 

Oh, no, it’s not chickens or kittens at all! 

Can’t you think what is soft and round and small? 
It’s two little somethings as white as snow! 

Two dear baby rabbits! — there, now you know! 

^ 94 


A Dream for Robin 

A DREAM FOR ROBIN 

A DREAM for Robin! What shall it be? 

Of a silver boat on a sapphire sea? 

Of a golden coach with milk-white steeds? 

Of a moss-grown road through blossomy meads? 
Choose, Robin! Dream, Robin! Sleep! 

A dream for Robin! What shall it be? 

Of a pink, pink rose and a bumblebee? 

Of a sunlit garden with brilliant flowers? 

Of tinkling fountains and lily-sweet bowers? 
Choose, Robin! Dream, Robin! Sleep! 

A dream for Robin! What shall it be? 

Of a fairy dell and a fairy tea? 

Of a song far sweeter than song of bird, 

A song that never a mortal heard? 

Choose, Robin! Dream, Robin! Sleep! 

A dream for Robin! What shall it be? 

But Robin has chosen! He sleeps; ah, me! 

Over his features the soft smiles fly; 

But of what is he dreaming? Who knows? Not I 
Sleep, Robin! Dream, Robin! Sleep! 

^ 95 


Reading and Riding 


AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY 

They ran away, Jerome and Delight, 

One beautiful, beautiful summer night; 

With the curly-haired doll and the pine-wood gun. 
They trotted abroad in quest of fun. 

But the feet were small and they wearied soon 
On their way to the low-hanging crescent moon — 
That’s where they were going. Delight and Jerome, 
When we caught them, and kissed them, and 
brought them home. 

READING AND RIDING 

Grandma laid aside her knitting. 

Placed a book upon her knee; 

‘‘Come” she said, to little Karlie, 

“Come and learn your A B C.” 

Faster rode the little horseman. 

Whipping hard his mimic steed; 

“I don’t want to come,” he answered; 

“I don’t want to learn to read.” 

^ 96 ^ 


The Conscious Chicken 

^^Come,” she urged; ^'do not be naughty!” 

But he still rocked to and fro, 

Though, at length, went, slowly, pouting, 

To pick out his A and O. 

Baby feet came pattering softly. 

Baby hands pushed Karl aside: 

''I will read,” said little Mina; 

'‘Brother Karlie go and ride!” 

Off the careless youngster scampered, 

Glad to be released so soon. 

While his eager little sister 

Found her letter like the moon. 

“Reading’s good for girls; but riding — 

That’s for boys!” Karl gayly cried. 

Ah, you’ll learn some day, my idler. 

Boys must read as well as ride! . 

THE CONSCIOUS CHICKEN 

The little Conscious Chicken laid an egg one au- 
tumn day. 

And she thought of it and thought of it in a most 
conceited way; 

-S 97 ^ 


The Conscious Chicken 

And “Cut-cut-cut-cu’-da-cut!” cried she, loud, 
and louder still, 

Till her cackling filled the nest room, and quite 
wearied was her bill. 

''They’ll ply me so with questions,” mused the 
Conscious Chicken then, 

" I really dread to venture within word shot of a hen ; 

But I must have my breakfast, though I shall ex- 
cite, I fear. 

The envy of the farmyard folks; yet such is fame — 
oh, dear!” 

The little Conscious Chicken swept one glance the 
yard around. 

And then advanced with mincing step, her eyes 
upon the ground ; 

But all the good farm people, each intent upon his 
meal. 

Showed not the curiosity the Chicken thought 
they’d feel. 

''They’re all a little bashful,” mused the Chicken, 
in high glee; 

'' It truly is too funny they should be afraid of me! 

5 98 


The Soldier Boy and the Sailor Man 

They have n’t quite recovered from surprise at 
such a feat; 

But breakfast is a sedative; I’ll give them time to 
eat.” 

So the little Conscious Chicken, still with eyes upon 
the ground, 

Smiled furtively, and ate and ate and ate, and 
walked around; 

But when, at last, she raised her head, she stood 
stock-still to stare. 

For each had gone his busy way, and not a soul was 
there! 


THE SOLDIER BOY AND THE SAILOR 
MAN 

A SOLDIER boy and a sailor man. 

They went to sea in a ten-quart pan; 

The soldier boy shot a wonderful duck. 

But the sailor man had wretched luck. 

For he fished all day and he fished all night. 
With never so much as a tiny bite. 

5 99 ^ 


Ethel’s Practical School 


The ten-quart pan sprung a fearful leak, 

But the terrified pair stayed not to shriek, 

They bailed the pan with their boots — all four. 
And with gun for a sail and rod for an oar. 

Over the sea and over the bay. 

They reached their homes at the break of day. 
Said the soldier boy to the sailor man, 

‘^I'll sail no more in a ten-quart pan!'* 

LAUGH 

Laugh away sighs, and laugh away cries! 
They’ll vanish like empty bubbles; 

There is nothing by half so good as a laugh 
To chase away worrying troubles. 


ETHEL’S PRACTICAL SCHOOL 

'^Miss Duck and Miss Chick,” said Ethel one 
day, 

”Come stand here before me, and mind what I say! 
I ’ll not vex your brains with a single book rule. 
But I ’ll keep what mamma calls a practical school. 
^ 100 ^ 


EtheVs Practical School 

Now, my darling Miss Duck, you truly must learn 
The difference between a rose and a fern; 

This fern is a weed, while this beautiful rose 
Is the sweetest and loveliest flower that grows. 

^^And when you go down to the brook for a bath. 
Don’t take, as you do, that swampy fern path; 
But next time. Miss Duck, remember to go 
By the walk that is full of these blossoms, you know. 

‘^And you, dear Miss Chick, when you gobble up 
corn 

You’re the greediest child that ever was born! 

You must learn to eat slowly and daintily — so! 
For truly your manners are shockingly low.” 

Then Miss Duck waddled off through the path of 
rank fern. 

Nor once toward the rose walk her head deigned to 
turn; 

And Miss Chick ran to follow Matilda, the maid. 
And to eat all the corn in a trice she essayed. 

Dear me,” Ethel sighed, as she laid down her rule, 
*^I’m afraid they will never appreciate school!” 

^ loi ^ 


Philosopher Frog 


TWO LITTLE POETS 

^^Tll make a poem,” said Rosalie Bell; 

‘‘Me make one, too,” said sober-eyed Nell; 

So Rose brought paper and pens and ink. 

And they sat them down to think, think, think; 
But they thought so long and they thought so deep. 
That Nurse Adele found them fast asleep! 

PHILOSOPHER FROG 

There once was a frog 
Who lived in a bog, — 

A frog philosopher he; 

He never had croaked. 

But he laughed and he joked, 

And he talked philosophically. 

“None of your kin 
Deem croaking a sin,” 

An acquaintance remarked, with a sigh. 
“Prove any good done 
By it, under the sun,” 

Said the frog, “and Til croak till I die!” 

^ 102 S- 


Philosopher Frog 

Then the neighbor hopped off, 
With a frown and a cough, 

While the frog laughed a very wide laugh. 
^^Oh, give me jokers 
Instead of croakers,'' 

Said he, ‘‘they are better by half!" 

The bog dried up. 

There was little to sup 
On, to breakfast or dine on either; 

The sun shone hot. 

And the meadow lot 
Held shade nor shelter neither. 

“Come! Out of this bog!" 

Cried philosopher frog; 

“Don't stay here to croak and die! 

In the woods it is cool. 

With, maybe, a pool; 

Come, no time to spare for a sigh!" 

So, with hop after hop 
And never a stop. 

They reached the green wood at last, 

^ 103 ^ 


Philosopher Frog 

And a spring and a pool 
And a breakfast cool; 

And they joyed that their danger was past. 

Said philosopher frog, 

I hope, in that bog 
You left all croakings behind you; 

No good have they done. 

Under moon or sun, — 

Of that I need not remind you!'' 

And with plenty to eat 
That was good and sweet. 

And a lovelier home than before. 

Did they give up their croaks. 

Like sensible folks? 

Dear, no! they croaked the more! 

And philosopher frog 
Plays with each pollywog. 

Till they call him a dear old deary; 

And they say when they're grown 
They'll let croaking alone, — 

But whether they will is a query. 

^ 104 ^ 


One Evening 


ONE EVENING 

The deepening twilight of a summer’s day; 

A city street where elms grow thick and tall; 

A soft breeze creeping upwards from the bay; 
Alone, belated robin’s plaintive call. 

A broad, white house, with hospitable air; 

A wide-swung door, and, perched on foot-worn 
stone. 

Two tiny maids, Goldlocks and Ravenhair, 
Floating out song on song, in childish tone. 

Their favorite ''Little Bennie,” first alway. 

And next, "The Drummer Boy of Waterloo,” 
"Robin Adair,” "The Watcher,” "Old Dog Tray,” 
"The Troubadour,” and "Annie Laurie,” too. 

And then some leisured, listening passer-by 
Pauses in shadow till a song is done, 

While two small hearts with joy and pride beat 
high. 

Contented with the silent praise of one. 

5 105 ^ 


A Queer Little Woman 

Song after song, unheeded is the time, 

And now in “Rosalie, the Prairie Flower,” 
Nowin “The Mocking-Bird” their voices chime. 
While nearer, nearer draws the bedtime hour. 

At last, another voice is heard, — though low. 

It puts “Ten Little Indian Boys” to flight, 

A sweet, firm voice that well the singers know. 
And Ravenhair and Goldlocks kiss good-night. 


A QUEER LITTLE WOMAN 

There’s a queer little, dear little woman. 
The smallest in all the town. 

With her tiny green head, her bodice of red. 
And her cream-colored, wrinkled gown. 

Her household hangings are velvet. 

Crimson, and blue, and gold. 

And a mild perfume fills her wee, wee room 
With more sweets than it can hold. 

But I pity this poor little woman. 

Though her home with beauty is rife, 

^ io6 ^ 


A Paper Wedding 

For through cold and heat, with imprisoned feet, 
She must stay there all her life. 

“Who is this strange little creature?'’ 
ril whisper it low in your ear; 

Pull the petals apart from a pansy's heart, — 
You will find her there, my dear. 

PLAYING CASTLE 

This is a castle — the garden wall, 

And we are princesses, Maud and I; 

Our royal guards are the hollyhocks tall. 

And the ladder 's a staircase, grand and high. 

This old umbrella 's the arching roof 
Of our wonderful castle up on the wall ; 

And pussy's our maid, who must sit aloof. 

Oh, this is the loveliest play of all! 

A PAPER WEDDING 

There's a wedding in the parlor, 

With guests in fine array. 

And a bridal arch of pansies, — 

Oh, what a grand display! 

S 107 ^ 


The Graceful Goose 

T is a real paper wedding, 

And may all good betide 
The manly paper bridegroom 
And his dainty paper bride! 

THE GRACEFUL GOOSE 

They praised and flattered the Graceful Goose; 

Said they, ‘'She is beautiful as a swan!'' 

Till, vain and silly beyond excuse. 

No haughtier bird sun shone upon. 

She snubbed her kinsfolk, and scorned her lot. 
Grieving their hearts with her foolish ways. 
And, fretting because a swan she was not. 

She idled the beautiful summer days. 

One morning she wandered away alone. 

“I'm tired of geese!" she pettishly said. 

And she rambled on, past tree and stone. 

Far from where she was born and bred. 

Weary and faint, she at last bespoke 
Shelter and food in a farmyard near, 

^ io8 ^ 


The Graceful Goose 

And, charmed by her beauty, the stranger folk 
Smiled and received her with all good cheer. 

am a swan, and have lost my way!’’ 

This was the story she blandly told ; 

And she stayed there many and many a day. 
Courted and petted by young and old. 

But one sad morning the farmer placed 
A pair of swans in the garden lake; 

The news spread quickly, and, eager-faced. 

The farm folk scurried a peep to take. 

One glance was enough for the Graceful Goose; 

Her heart grew sick, and her face grew wan ; 
‘^Oh, now,” she moaned, they ’ll discover my ruse. 
For I’m far from being a beautiful swan!” 

Over the toilsome road she had come. 

Past stone and thicket, past bush and brier. 
Plodded the Graceful Goose toward home — 
‘‘Home! home!” was her one desire. 

The old-time pine trees dark and grim, 

The well-known barn with its dove-cote white, 

-S 109 & 


Our Neighborhood Nuisance 

The brook where, a gosling, she learned to swim, — 
One by one these came into sight. 

Friends and kinsfolk welcomed her back — 

Oh, their greeting she'll never forget! — 

With joyful clamor of squawk and quack. 

And, humble, content, she lives there yet. 


OUR NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE 

There's a mischievous puppy that digs my 
flowers 

As fast as I set them out; 

When his owner appears he cries and cowers 

Till punishment 's put to rout. 

He's a neighborhood nuisance that everyone 
kicks 

When he chews up the wash on the line; 

But I love him and pet him, in spite of his 
tricks. 

For this bad little puppy is mine! 

S no ^ 


The Courteous Kangaroo 


MORNING-GLORIES 

Over the porch they clamber and twine, 

And never the breath of a sound they make — 
Blossoms of azure and rose and wine, ; 

Fresh and dainty and wide-awake — 

Our beautiful morning-glories! 

About the porch they frolic and play. 

And oh, the laughter and shouts they make! 
Black eyes, blue eyes, brown eyes, and gray. 
Merry and winsome and wide-awake — 

Our beautiful morning-glories! 


THE COURTEOUS KANGAROO ' 

The Courteous Kangaroo, 

Escaping from the zoo. 

Knocked timidly one morning at a farmhouse door; 
The children let him in 
With hospitable din. 

And they gave him such a breakfast as he’d never 
had before. 

^ III ^ 


The Doll I Love the Best 

The Courteous Kangaroo, 

With tricks caught at the zoo, 

To show his gratitude, set forth his hosts to enter- 
tain; 

And they laughed so long and loud 
That their neighbors in a crowd 
Soon gathered, in astonishment, from wood and 
field and lane. 

And every single guest 
Joined right in with the rest. 

And they laughed and laughed and laughed and 
laughed with the Courteous Kangaroo; 

Till when the day was dead. 

With a last, long laugh, they said: 

Let's stop awhile and take a nap, for we're tired 
and sleepy, too." 


THE DOLL I LOVE THE BEST 

There is beautiful Edith, my Christmas doll. 
And sweet Lizette from France, 

And the baby twins, little Poll and Moll, 

And Topsy, a doll that can dance! 

^ II2 ^ 


A Turnabout 

There is Clarice Janette, who walks without aid, 
And Bertha, who sings a song. 

And Marie, the smart little waiting-maid. 

And Choy, the doll from Hong Kong! 

There 's a dainty bride, with trousseau complete. 
And a real gold necklace and ring. 

And Bobby All-Right, the boy athlete. 

With ladder, trapeze, and swing! 

But poor old Kate, nearly broken in half. 

With no pretty gowns like the rest. 

And no arms or hair — now, don't you laugh! 
She’s the doll that I love the best! 

A TURNABOUT 

'‘I’m going to drive the cows home!” Jimmy- Josy 
said. 

As off he proudly started, holding high his head. 
Back he scampered, screaming — poor little Josy- 
Jim! 

He did n’t drive the cows home — the cows had 
driven him! 


^ 113 X 


A Trip to Boston 


A TRIP TO BOSTON 

A PLAY FOR LITTLE FOLK 

Who wants to go to Boston — 

To Boston town and back — 
With Bobby dear for engineer 
To keep us on the track? 

These Turkish chairs and sofas 
Shall be our parlor-car; 

We’ll need mayhap to take a nap, 
We’re going, oh, so far! 
Nannette may be conductor. 

With tickets, checks, and punch. 
And little Roy shall be the boy 
To sell us all a lunch. 

Elaine can bring us water 
In little pail and cup. 

With lumps of ice to make it nice. 
And we will drink it up. 

Eugene shall be the brakeman. 

The iron wheel to work. 

And then to call the stations all. 
And stop us with a jerk. 


A Royal Runaway 

Now all aboard! we're ready, 

In hat and traveling gown. 
Come, engineer, and quickly steer 
Us straight to Boston town. 


A ROYAL RUNAWAY 

They ran away, one summer day. 
Because nobody kissed them. 

Two princes small, wee Mac and Paul, 
And everybody missed them. 

They ran along the river bank 
And over rustic bridges; 

They ran with many a childish prank. 
Like liberated midges. 

They ran through fields of waving grass. 
And up and down a stile; 

They ran beside a dairy lass 
For one short, merry mile. 

They ran within a forest wide. 

Where flowers thickly grew; 

S 115 ^ 


A Royal Runaway 

They ran for everything they spied 
That skipped or leapt or flew. 

They ran beyond the gloomy wood, 

And toward a mountain cot; 

They ran as bravely as they could, 

And yet they reached it not. 

They ran until the day was past. 

Till feet were weak and sore. 

Then sobbed themselves to sleep, at last, 

To dream of running more. 

The courtiers hunted far and long 
For this sweet truant pair. 

Till hearts grew faint that once were strong. 
And sorrow filled the air. 

Next morning, down the mountain strode 
A peasant, tall and brown. 

And the princes on his shoulders rode 
Back to the royal town. 

The king and queen forgot their state. 

The joy-bells rang with might, 

« Ii6 ^ 


A Homesick Boy 

And the peasant’s pockets knew the weight 
Of royal gold, that night. 

They ran away, one summer day. 

And everybody missed them; 

When they came back, wee Paul and Mac, — 
Oh, everybody kissed them! 


A HOMESICK BOY 

I ’m visitin’ at Aunt Maria’s, 

And I ’m homesick as I can be : 

It’s sawdust and shavin’s for breakfast. 
And shavin’s and sawdust for tea. 

She says it ain’t sawdust nor shavin’s. 
But some kind o’ nu-triment food; 
Anyway, ’t ain’t pie nor doughnuts, 

Nor fritters, nor anything good! 

She never has jam or cookies; 

She says they are awful for me; 

We eat ’em like sixty to our house. 

And we’re all of us healthier ’n she! 

S 117 ^ 


A Little Pig 

She won’t let me have any sugar, 

Because it will give me the gout, 

And meat I can’t swallow a mite of 
Till I’ve chewed it an hour about! 

Did n’t know that I had any liver, 

’Cause, you see, I was never sick much; 

But I ’m hungry for all I can think of 
’Cept sawdust and shavin’s and such. 

O, I want to see ma and Louisa 
And grandma — and my old ball! 

But I guess I ’m homesicker for doughnuts 
Than anything else at all! 


A LITTLE PIG 

Over in the park there is a little pig; 

He can play a fiddle, he can dance a jig; 

He can tell his letters, and spell his name out, too. 
Now, is n’t that enough for a little pig to do? 


^ ii8 ^ 


Baby Dimple*s House 


BABY DIMPLE’S HOUSE 

Block upon block, block upon block; 

Wait, baby, wait till the time to knock; 
Hush, Baby Dimple, still as a mouse! 

This is the way to build a house. 

What shall it be, — a church so high. 

With a steeple up to the very sky? 

First we will lay a good thick wall, — 

Still, baby, still! or ^twill surely fall, — 
Block upon block, till all is complete: 

That is the way to build, my sweet! 

Here is the door, and here is the steeple. 
Within are the preacher and all the people. 
Now baby, now, for the final shock! 

Ah! that was only a tiny knock; — 

Once again. Dimple, — one, two, three! 

Over it goes, in your merry glee ! 

And that is the end of the church and the 
steeple; 

But where are the preacher and all the people? 

^ 119 ^ 


The Feast of Puddings and Pies 


THE FEAST OF PUDDINGS AND PIES 

Little Miss Winifred Willoughby Wise 
Wanted to eat only puddings and pies; 

She pouted at milk and she poohed at bread — 
They tasted of nothing at all, she said. 

Now her mother was Wise of heart as of name, 

A truly remarkable, beautiful dame; 

So she said, with a smile that was tender and sweet. 
My child, you may have what you wish to eat; 

If on puddings and pies your choice must fall. 
Order whatever you please — and all.” 

Then little Miss Winifred hugged herself tight. 
And danced round the room in a gale of delight; 
*^But,” added her mother, with twinkling eye, 
“You can have nothing else beside pudding and 
pie.” 

Little Miss Winifred tossed her gay head; 
“Puddings and pies are enough,” she said. 

Mince pie, lemon pie, custard and cream. 

They came but to vanish, as if in a dream; 
Pudding of cocoanut, pudding of plum — 

Their swift disappearance struck everyone dumb — 
^ 120 ^ 


A Picnic 

All but the mother; in tones sweet and clear 
She would ask, ^‘Will you have some desert, my 
dear?’* 

The feast it lasted two days and a half. 

Then Rollin, the Mischievous, started to chaff; 

For little Miss Winifred Willoughby Wise 
Quite clearly was cloyed with puddings and pies. 
For three long dinners one tall-backed chair 
Stood solemnly empty, with vacant stare. 

When little Miss Winifred sat in her place 
At the family board with her usual grace. 

She said, in a voice that was soft as silk, 

Ifyou please, I will have some plain bread and milk.” 

A PICNIC 

One red calf, and two yellow cats. 

Three white mice, and four gray rats. 

Five fat puppies, and six speckled hens. 

Seven green toads, and eight brown wrens. 

Nine squealing pigs, and ten good dogs. 

Eleven woolly sheep, and twelve jumping frogs; 
These had a picnic one summer day; 

How many were there — who can say? 

^ I2I ^ 


The Kit-Cat Luncheon 


POLITENESS PAYS 

A LITTLE tramp dog met a nice little cat, 

And he bowed most politely, and took off his hat; 
^^Good-evening! good-evening!'' so sweetly said he. 
That Pussy invited him home to tea. 

THE KIT-CAT LUNCHEON 

Six little boys and six little girls 
And twice six cats, in bright array; 

Cats black as coals, cats white as pearls. 

Yellow pussies and pussies in gray, — 

All at the Kit-Cat Luncheon ! 

Oh, what a scamper of small furry feet! 

Oh, what a chatter of gay boys and girls! 

What purring, what blinking, what laughter sweet! 
What running, what chasing, what flutter of 
curls ! 

All at the Kit-Cat Luncheon! 

A table laid as for queens and kings. 

With ice-cream owlets and lemonade wells; 

^ 122 ^ 


An Alphabet of Helpers 

A dozen saucers of that which brings 
Joy to Angoras and Tortoise-shells, — 

All at the Kit-Cat Luncheon! 

A silver collar, with lock and key, 

For the prettiest cat in the long array 
(As they lapped their cream, as still as could be) ; 
Oh, the Persian kitty who wore it away! — ^ 

All at the Kit-Cat Luncheon! 

AN ALPHABET OF HELPERS 

Annette is aiding Alice in her first attempt at art. 
Ben is buying blue balloons for Baby Belle and 
Bart. 

Constance comes in carriage to carry crippled Claire. 
Dorelle is dressing dainty dolls for Dorothy and 
Dayre. 

Eve’s embroidering ear-muffs for Ebenezer’s ears. 
Faith is fondling fretful Flo till' she forgets her 
fears. 

Grace is giving gingerbread to good Grandmother 
Gray. 

Hug is helping Hiram and his harvesters make hay. 
^ 123 ^ 


An Alphabet of Helpers 

Idalina’s ironing for Inez, who is ill. 

Jean is making jam and jelly just for Jack and Jill. 
Keziah King is knitting for little Kitty Korn. 
Louise is lacing Letty^s lovely linen lawn. 

Maud is mixing medicine for ‘‘ Mother’s little man.” 
Ned is plucking nosegays for Nora, Nat and Nan. 
Olaf ’s opening oysters for old Miss Olive Ollie. 
Paul is painting pictures for patient Princess Polly. 
Queenie Quincy’s quilting for quiet Mrs. Quivers. 
Reginald is reading ' ' Rab ’ ’ to ragged Robbie Rivers. 
Sallie ’s smiling sweetly, though suffering such smart. 
Tom is telling Ted a tale about a tempting tart. 
Una’s planting pansies in Uncle Urban’s urn. 
Vida’s making valentines for little Violet Verne. 
Will is whittling whistles for winsome Walter 
Wayne. 

Xenia ’s helping launch the xebec, christening her 
Xayne. 

Yorke is holding yellow yarn for Mrs. Yorick Yette. 
Zenobia plays the zithern to please her Aunt 
Zulette. 

Serving-lads and lasses these, willing helpers all ; 
Oh, what happiness is brought by sacrifices small! 
S 124 ^ 


A Commonplace Child 


FOUR YEARS OLD 

This is my birthday, — I’m four years old! 
Papa says I ’m worth my weight in gold, 

And I guess it must be because I am four; 

But mamma says I ’m worth a great deal more 
She gave me a ring that she used to wear 
When she was little with curly hair. 

And with that and a ride and a party, too, 

I ’m so happy I don’t know what to do! 

And the morning is only just begun — 

Oh, having a birthday is lots of fun! 

Were you ever four years old, like me. 

With a ring and a ride and a birthday tea? 

A COMMONPLACE CHILD 

Mary’s a commonplace child,” they say. 
Praising Roberta, Robert, and Ray; 
‘‘Maurice and Ellen are smart as steel; 

Bertha is handsome, and so is Neal; 

The baby’s a cherub, so sweet and mild; 

But Mary is such a commonplace child!” 

5 125 ^ 


A Wise Conclusion 

Yet mirth and brilliancy seldom heed 
A dusty chair or a button's need, 

And beauty oftentimes wears a frown 
If given the task of mending a gown; 

And the mother sighs, in disheartened way. 
Thinking the children grow worse each day. 

But the freckle-faced girl, who at books is slow. 
Runs upstairs, downstairs, to and fro. 

Dresses the baby, the table sets, 

Washes the dishes, and feeds the pets; 

And the mother, resting, from cares beguiled. 
Thanks God for Mary, her commonplace child. 


A WISE CONCLUSION 

Mercy Mehetabel Martha Maria 
Was always too fond of playing with fire; 
She burned her fingers and burned her toes. 
Till once she scorched the tip of her nose; 
Then Mercy Mehetabel Martha Maria 
Said, ** Never again will I play with fire ! ” 

5 126 X 


The New Club 


A LAUGHING DUNCE 

A LITTLE boy once went to school, 

Who laughed, and would not mind the rule; 
He laughed so much that, deary me! 

He never could tell A from Z. 

THE NEW CLUB 

Little Goldy Pumpkinson 
Did n’t like her name; 

‘Ht makes me feel like squash pies!” 

She said, with tears of shame. 

But when into the neighborhood 
Came little Wallace Weed, 

With Bubby Bean, and Patty Pease, 

And Ruby Radishseed, 

Then Goldy laughed, and laughed, and said, 
‘‘WeVe fixed things, me and Bub; 

We’re going to be a s’ciety. 

The Vegetable Club!” 

^ 127 ^ 


The Doctor’s Sugar-Plums 

FUN IN THE GARRET 

We’re having a lovely time to-day! 

We’re all of us up in the garret at play! 

We have three houses under the eaves — 

Not real, you know, but make-believes; 

Two we live in, and one is a store. 

Where a little old screen makes a truly door. 
Warren keeps store, and Joe is his clerk. 

And Betty and I stay at home and work. 

Joe comes around and knocks or rings. 

And we order potatoes and steaks and things; 
And sometimes we go to the store and buy, 
Or send the children for ribbons or pie. 

It’s lots of fun — just try it some day 
When it rains too hard to go out and play. 

THE DOCTOR’S SUGAR-PLUMS 

When Polly Doll was sick in bed 
The doctor came each day; 

He gave her tablets white and red ; 
‘‘What lovely candy!” Polly said. 

And ate them right away. 

5 128 ^ 


The Two Gentians 

When Polly Doll grew well again 
She cried to stay in bed; 

^^The doctor'll bring me candies then, 
Those pretty candies — free, five, ten! 
I want some more!" she said. 


IF THEY COULD! 

If potatoes could see with all their eyes. 

And if corn could hear with its ears. 

They 'd grow in one season so wondrously wise 
They'd never be eaten, my dears! 


THE FRINGED GENTIAN AND THE 
CLOSED GENTIAN 

Two sisters dwelt beside a brook, 
Blue-Gentian was their name, — 

All this was centuries ago. 

Ere both were known to fame; 

And one was good as beautiful. 

The other proud and airy ; * 

5 129 ^ 


The Two Gentians 

And in a wood, near by, there lived 
A tricksy little fairy. 

It chanced upon an autumn day 
This fairy spied the two. 

And feigning weariness, he begged 
Of them a sip of dew: 

The one held up her tiny cup. 

The fairy drained it lightly; 

The other cried, ‘'Begone, thou elf!"' 

And clutched her drop more tightly. 

Then quoth the cunning sprite: “This day 
Shall bring ye both renown. 

Sweet maid, accept this fairy fringe. 

To deck thy azure gown; 

But thou, rude, selfish one, now take 
Thy last look at the sky. 

For nevermore shalt thou or thine 
Gaze into mortal eye!” 

The days sped on : the sisters twain 
Passed silently away. 

But children’s children, year by year, 

The fairy will obey; 

. ^ 130 ^ 


School Begins To-day 

Some wear a fringe of matchless hue, 
Rarer than costly laces, 

While others fold their garments close, 
And ever hide their faces. 

A SAD CONDITION 

“Tll be a nurse,’' said little Vic, 

‘‘And cure the family so quick!” 

She donned an apron long and white. 
And tied a kerchief cap on tight; 

But then, “O dear,” cried little Vic, 
“There is n’t anybody sick!” 

SCHOOL BEGINS TO-DAY 

Hark, I hear a patter, patter, 

As of dancing feet! 

And a gentle, merry chatter. 

As of voices sweet! 

Here they come — a troop of posies, 
Pink and blue and white! 

Little maids with cheeks like roses. 
Earnest, blithe and bright. 

^ 131 ^ 


Chestnutting 

Now I hear a clatter, clatter, 

Like an army coming! 

Dear me! what can be the matter! 

Such a buzz and humming! 

Here they are — oh, what a noise! — 

Shouting, screaming, howling! 

Such a throng of happy boys! 

Never one is scowling. 

Ding — dong — dong! '' the bell is calling, 
‘'School begins to-day!'* — 

Clearly on the laughter falling, — 

“Do not stop to play! 

Ding — dong! — Come!" the tones seem pleading, 
“Summer has been long! 

Now’s the time for spelling, reading! 

Ding — dong — dong ! Ding — dong ! ’’ 

CHESTNUTTING 

We all went chestnutting over the hill, 

Sam and Jennie, and George and I; 

The air was frosty and clear and still. 

And the nuts were as thick as they could lie. 

S 132 ^ 


A Little Housemaid 

At the foot of a tree, half hid by a rail, 

The squirrels had heaped such a pretty 
pile; 

But Sam just scooped them into his pail, 
Though we begged him not to all the while. 

Then Jennie and I heaped up some more 
Of the biggest nuts, all fair and fat; 

And Sam stole those, the same as before! 

Now what would you do with a boy like 
that? 


A LITTLE HOUSEMAID 

I AM a little housemaid ; 

This sweeping-cap I wear 
Because I must, for fear the dust 
Would settle in my hair. 

I Ve put on grandma’s glasses; 

Those, and the kerchief, too. 

Are to make me look like our old cook, 
I wonder if I do? 

S 133 ^ 


Two Days at School 

This bunch of keys is auntie’s, 
They jingle as I walk; 

But I must go, for maids, I know. 
Should not stop long to talk. 


TWO DAYS AT SCHOOL 

Neddy went to school first day. 
Timidly yet gladly. 

At recess he watched the play 
Of the others sadly. 

“School’s a horrid place, indeed! ” 
Neddy sighed in sorrow. 

“I don’t want to learn to read. 

I’ll stay home to-morrow!” 

Neddy went to school next day. 
After much rebelling. 

Children asked him out to play. 
Teacher praised his spelling. 
“School’s a pretty jolly spot. 
After all!” laughed Neddy. 
“My! but just think what a lot 
I have learned already!” 

S 134 ^ 


Six Cats of Windsor 


SIX CATS OF WINDSOR ' 

There are six of them all, from high to low, 

As they sit on the rug in a solemn row; 

And I almost wish they were pets of mine, 
From dear old Tommy to wee Catiline. 

First, TheodoreThomas, called Tommy, for short, 
A cat who always does as he ought; 

His name was won, I believe, in truth. 

By his leading an orchestra in his youth. 

But Tommy is growing old and gray. 

And he likes to slumber instead of play; 

Yet, he is handsome and fat and tall. 

The wisest and faithfulest cat of them all. 

Next, sits Captain Flapper, as bright as the rest. 
With a funny white nose and a very white vest; 
And his gray "coat meets, midway to his chin. 

In two sharp points, as neat as a pin. 

Prudence comes third in the blinking row. 

For she and the Captain are lovers, I know; 

^ 135 ^ 


Six Cats of Windsor 

Dear Prudence, as shining and black as jet, 

So soft and silky and darling a pet. 

And then, Billy Taylor, as sleek as a rat, — 

Ah, he is a clever, graceful cat! 

A pure Maltese, and full of his tricks. 

The favored pussy of all the six. 

Next, sits Totty Gray, in motherly pride. 

With her two grown-up sons, and her baby 
beside ; 

She looks like Flapper, although as is best. 

Her coat does not cover so much of her vest. 

You would think little Cataline, frolicsome elf. 
Had borrowed his coat of Billy himself; 

But a sweet little kitten, from toes to eyes. 

So merry and loving, so winsome and wise. 

Oh, if you could see them, all in a row. 

As they sit on the rug, I almost know 

You would truly wish they were pets of yours, 

Theselithesome, blithesome, affectionate mewers 


5 136 ^ 


A Wish Fulfilled 

A WISH FULFILLED 

Ethel ate an apple, 

Ripe and rich and red ; 

/‘Wish I had a bushel!” 
Ethelinda said. 

All the seeds she planted, 

Set them in a row. 

Pressed the earth upon them — 
So — so — so! 

All the snows of winter. 

All the rains of spring. 

All the suns of summer, 

Gave them nurturing. 

Weeks and months and seasons. 
Daily, year by year, 

Ethel watched her saplings 
Ever growing dear. 

Till, at last, one autumn. 
Harvest brought reward — 

Bushels of red apples 
Hung above the sward. 

^ 137 ^ 


The Barn Detectives 


RECIPE FOR A SPLENDID TIME’’ 

One little girl and one little boy; 

A room or a garden — no matter which; 
Two hearts of content and two smiles of joy, 
And a basket of luncheon — not too rich. 

An hour of fun at some pleasant play; 

A little politeness, gentleness, grace; 

A womanly sweetness, a manly way; 

A little nonsense, a merry race. 

A rest, and a luncheon spread for two; 

Voices and laughter in happy chime — 
And somebody’ll say, when all is through, 
^^Oh, we have had such a splendid time!” 


THE BARN DETECTIVES 

Jack and Jimmy stole some apples 
Of a novel sort, and rare. 

That their grandpa hoped would bring him 
Money at the county fair. 

^ 138 X 


The Barn Detectives 

Guiltily they looked around them, 

Hid the cores and stems from sight; 

Nobody will ever know it!” 

Chuckled Jimmy in delight. 

Ah, those boys, so small and naughty. 
Little thought that all around 

Were a lot of barn detectives, 

Noting every sight and sound I 

That big bin of fat potatoes. 

With their honest eyes a-stare. 

Saw the deed in solemn wonder 

That those babes such crime should dare. 

And the popping and the feed corn, 

With their red and yellow ears. 

Listened to the greedy urchins. 

Shocked, and overcome with fears. 

And the tongues of all the buckles 
In the harnesses, aloft. 

Told the sad and sinful story 
In their voices queer and soft. 

S 139 ^ 


A Funny Chicken 

Since that day, no better youngsters 
Can be found than Jim and Jack; 
Well for them when those detectives 
Put dear grandpa on their track! 


A FUNNY CHICKEN 

‘‘We’ve such a lot of cunning chicks; 

Old Silverwing came off with six, 

And three are mine, and three are Dick’s — 
Have you got any chickens? 

“You’ve only one you always keep? 

And don’t it cry, nor say, ‘Peep, peep’? 

Nor run about, nor go to sleep? 

Why, what a funny chicken! 

“How old is it? You do not know? 

Older ’n me? — Why don’t it grow? 

I wish you ’d let me see it — Oh! 

It’s just a china chicken!’’ 


5 140 ^ 


Pretty Penelope’s Baskets of P’s 


PRETTY PENELOPE’S BASKETS OF P’S 

Pretty Penelope went to the fair 
With ribbons of pink on her braids of hair, 
With ribbons of pink on her posied gown, 
Riding her donkey up hill and down. 

She sat in her saddle with grace and ease 
Betwixt her precious Baskets of P’s, 

Two Baskets of P’s that a prize must take. 
Or pretty Penelope’s heart would break. 

Two Baskets of P’s that were piled up high 
With things that are pearls in an epicure’s eye 
Princely pumpkins, yellow as gold ; 

Pods full of peas as they well could hold; 

Pomegranates mellow and rich and red ; 
Parsnips fresh from the garden bed; 

Peppers and pippins and pears and plums. 
And peanuts as plump as Penelope’s thumbs; 

Portly potatoes, passing fair; 

Peaches perfect beyond compare; 

& 141 ^ 


The Browns 


Plenty of produce to profit and please, 

In Penelope's precious Baskets of P’s. 

The people parleyed, with pat and praise. 
Over the products of country ways; 

But the proudest prize was won by these. 
Pretty Penelope’s Baskets of P’s. 


THE BROWNS 

The little Pink Leaves gave a party. 

And invited the Yellows and Reds; 

‘The Browns are too awfully common!” 

They said, a-shaking their heads. 

But there came an hour in the frost-time 
When the party-folk, all in a wink, 

Were turned to the dingiest color 
That ever a mortal could think. 

Yet they pranced up and down in the sunshine. 
Those former Pinks, Yellows and Reds; 

‘We Browns are so aristocratic!” 

They said, a-tossing their heads. 

^ 142 ^ 


The Darling Family 

THE DARLING FAMILY 

He paints the sweetest cherubs, all with wings, 
He makes me pose and pose; 

He tells me tales of elves and knights and kings ; 
He brings me grapes and figs and lovely things. 
And calls me his pet Rose. 

Who does? Why, Papa Darling! 

She sings a song about a bobolink, 

‘^0-link, o-link!’’ it goes; 

Her satin gown is prettiest, I think; 

Sometimes she dresses me to match, in pink, 
And calls me her wild Rose. 

Who does? Why, Mamma Darling! 

He kicks a football ’most up to the sky; 

He laughs at Bridget’s nose; 

He teases me to give him half my pie; 

He says I ’ll be all prickles by-and-by. 

And calls me ^‘Thorny Rose.” 

Who does? Why, Jacky Darling! 

She’ll be just two years old the tenth of June; 
She counts her tiny toes; 

•g 143 & 


How Many ? 

She sings Little Bo-peep” and keeps in tune; 
She cries because she cannot have the moon, 
And calls me “ Baby’s Wose.” 

Who does? Why, Queenie Darling! 

She goes to kindergarten — Madam Earle’s; 

She models, pricks, and sews; 

She has brown eyes, red cheeks, and yellow curls; 
She wants to wear a watch and string of pearls. 
Just like a grown-up Rose. 

Who does? Why I — Rose Darling! 


HOW MANY? 

Ten fat pigs and nine fluffy hens — 

We keep them in coops, we keep them in pens; 
Eight sleek cows and seven good goats — 

We keep them in the stable to eat hay and oats ; 
Six little lambs and five white mice — 

We keep them in the barn, where it’s snug and nice; 
Four gray squirrels and three black bunnies — 

We keep them in the shed, where the warm, bright 
sun is; 


5 144 & 


The Land of Make-Believe 

Two striped kittens and one pretty pug — 

We keep them in the living-room to cuddle and to 
hug. 


THE LAND OF MAKE-BELIEVE 

Bona was seven, Betty was three, 

And Billy came in between, — 

Bona the duchess, Billy the duke. 

And dear little Betty the queen; 

They journeyed and journeyed all over the house. 
Till they came to a wonderful land 
Where chocolate candy grew thick on the trees 
And dropped right into your hand. 

The bushes were white with popcorn flowers. 

And peanut vines grew like sweet peas. 

With splendid great clusters all ready to eat. 

And piping hot, too, if you please! 

There were ice-cream roses, red, yellow, and white. 
All free to every newcomer. 

And perpetual bloomers these roses were. 
Because it was always summer. 

^ 145 5 


Prince October 

There were lollipop ornaments thicker than stars 
Adorning the fences and walls, 

And peppermint taffy as big as your fist 
The youngsters were using for balls. 

But Bona the duchess and Billy the duke 
And dear little Betty the queen, 

When the supper-bell rang, skipped home in a trice. 
Though oceans had rolled between; 

And for all they were fresh from that wonderful land. 
The land with goodies replete. 

They fell on the biscuits and gingerbread squares 
As if they'd had nothing to eat! 

PRINCE OCTOBER 

Have you seen him. Prince October, 

In his garb of russet sober? 

With his cap-plumes all a-flying. 

Each with each in color vying? 

Never sits he glum and museful. 

All his days are bright and useful; 

Friend of sinner and of saint, 

^ 146 ^ 


Autumn Styles 

Meeting none with chide or plaint, — 
Best of comrades, Prince October! 

Never comes he empty-handed: 
Gorgeous vestments, rainbow-banded ; 
Apples red and green and yellow; 
Grapes, and pears, and peaches mellow; 
Hours of tender, golden shine; 

Air like crystalline old wine; 

These the land will soon be sharing. 
Here he comes! What kingly bearing! 
Glad to greet thee. Prince October! 


AUTUMN STYLES 

The autumn styles are out, I see. 

But as to colors few agree. 

Dame Oak says yellow should be worn. 
And so to old gold she is sworn; 

Miss Gentian, and her sister,'^too, 
Appear in public dressed in blue; 

Gay Mrs. Maple claims that red 
Of all the colors is ahead; 

^ 147 ^ 


A Song of Chestnuts 

While dear Miss Clematis is dressed 
In misty white, as suits her best; 

The Misses Pine and Fir are seen 
In costumes of unchanging green; 

But Madam Chestnut says that brown 
Is best of colors for a gown. 

And so we may conclude the while 
That every color is in style. 

A SONG OF CHESTNUTS 

Four little chestnuts 
Swinging, swinging high; 

In their silk-lined cradle-house 
Snug and warm they lie. 

Now the air grows chilly, — 

Ha, here 's Frosty Jack! 

Quick he spies the cradle-house. 
Gives a merry thwack! 

Out the chestnuts tumble, 

Down to earth they slide, — 

One for you and one for me 
And two for Baby Clyde! 

« 148 ^ 


In the Nursery 


BIRD FLIGHTS 

When the flowers die, the song-birds fly 
To the groves of the south, where the summers 
stay; 

When the warm winds blow, and new blossoms 
show. 

The birds fly back again, tuneful and gay. 

IN THE NURSERY 

MORNING 

I 

Shoulder to shoulder they march along. 

To the rollicking air of an old camp song; 

Jasper is captain, eager and grand. 

As he pompously issues his words of command ; 
First in the ranks comes curly-haired Ray, 

With bright-eyed Bennie and sweet little Fay, 
And following close, with martial tread. 

Are blue-eyed Bertie and Baby Fred; — 
'‘Forward! march !’’ and away they go. 

Shoulder to shoulder, to meet the foe. 

5 149 ^ 


November 


EVENING 

II 

Shoulder to shoulder they drowsily lie, 

While mother sings softly a lullaby; 

Prayers all said, and stories all told. 

Though ^'Just one more!” pleads Bertie, the bold; 
Jasper and Bennie are deep in thought. 

And Ray still muses on battles unfought. 

And little Fay wonders, with half-shut eyes, 

^^If birdies ever fly up to the skies”; 

While Baby Fred’s soft, tiny hands unclasp. 

And from mother’s strong fingers loose their 
grasp; — 

Shoulder to shoulder, away they creep. 

To the Palace of Dreams, in the Land of Sleep. 

NOVEMBER 

‘‘when is NOVEMBER?” 

When skies are gray, with scarce a fleck of blue. 
When sharp winds blow that pierce you through and 
through ; 

When bird-songs cease, and empty nests hang high. 
When butterflies and flowers have said good-bye; 

5 150 ^ 


My Party 

When silver frost-work gleams on field and hill, 
When hearth-fires flame and glow, as nights wax 
chill; 

When dead leaves drift through lonely forest ways. 
When comes the glad New England day of days. 
Then is November. 


MY PARTY 

I \e had a party ’cause I ’m six years old. 

And ’cause I did last week as I was told. 

And always shut the door, and fed my cat, 

Nor once forgot to hang up my new hat. 

Mamma invited five boys, friends of mine — 
Though Tommy Englefield is almost nine; 

And cook made cakes all full of fruit and spice. 
And lots of things that make a party nice. 

But Willie had the mumps, and could n’t come. 
And Chester fell downstairs and broke his thumb ; 
Bert had the croup, and Leo a sore throat. 

And Tom had gone to Boston on the boat. 

5 151 ^ 


Bronzy’s Stratagem 

And so papa, mamma, and I — we three — 
Had just a lovely, lovely party tea; 

'‘Too bad!” said everyone; but — don’t you tell 
I think I liked it just about as well! 


SWEET LITTLE SOLLY 

Solomon Titus Epaphroditus 
Jacob Jonathan James 
Luke Jeremiah Paul Hezekiah 
David Malachi Ames! 

Sweet little Solly — how can he be jolly. 
Weighted with so many names? 

“I can make noise for a dozen boys!” 
Argues sweet Solly Ames. 


BRONZY’S STRATAGEM 

Bronzy, the turkey, scratched his ear; 

“It is time I was up and thinking,” he said, 
“For Thanksgiving day is drawing near. 

And I must contrive to save my head.” 

^ 152 ^ 


Tommy’s Thanksgiving Trouble 

Then Bronzy, the turkey, thought and thought. 

He ate a bug, and he thought again; 

At last this truth to his mind was brought: 

The pets of the children are never slain. 

For a week he shadowed the kitchen door. 
Inwardly restless, outwardly bland; 

He submitted to squeezings from Sally and Noah, 
And he ate his meals from the baby’s hand. 

So Bronzy, the turkey, lived to see 
A happy old age, you may depend ; 

For with turkeys or people blest is he 

Who is looked upon as the children’s friend. 

TOMMY’S THANKSGIVING TROUBLE 

There’s going to be turkey and duck and ham. 
And salad and ice-cream and pudding and jam. 
And oysters and tarts and chicken pie. 

And custards with frosting piled up high ! 

Oh, dear! — how I wish I was big as a man! 

For I want to eat just all that I can. 

And to think of those tarts and custards and all. 
And I — oh dear, I ’m so dreadfully small! 

^ 153 ^ 


Dot’s Thanksgiving 


DOT’S THANKSGIVING 

I sure no dog in all the world is half so rich as I, 

With goose bones and turkey bones and crust of 
chicken-pie ! 

My little mistress came to me, and said, in her 
sweet way, 

‘‘Now, Dot, you must be thankful, dear, for ’t is 
Thanksgiving day; 

You must be thankful for your home, your friends, 
and your good health — 

The minister said so. Dot, because these things are 
untold wealth!” 

That’s what my little mistress said, and I could n’t 
understand. 

But I understood the dinner that she brought me 
— it is grand I 

So, with goose bones and turkey bones and crust 
of chicken pie. 

What dog in all the world, J say, is half so. rich 
as I! 


« 154 S 


A Very Odd Girl 


A VERY ODD GIRL 

In school she ranks above her mates, 
And wins the highest prizes; 

She bounds correctly all the states, 
And tells what each one's size is; 

In class she will not prompt a friend. 
For she does n't believe in telling; 
She heeds the rules from end to end. 
And never fails in spelling. 

She's just as odd as odd can be!" 

Say all the school of Esther Lee. 

She keeps her room as neat as wax. 
And laughs at Peter's mockings; 

She mends Priscilla's gloves and sacks. 
And darns the family stockings; 

She dusts the sitting-room for Kate, 
She cares for baby brother; 

She fashions balls and kites for Nate, 
And runs for tired mother. 

‘‘She's just as odd as odd can be!" 

Say all at home of Esther Lee. 

^ 155 ^ 


An Alphabet of Sports 

For little crippled Mary Betts 
She saves her brightest pennies; 

She never, never sulks or frets 
If she does n’t beat at tennis; 

With happy words she is sure to greet 
Children in lowly by-way; 

She guides unsteady, aged feet 
Across the bustling highway. 

‘'She’s just as odd as odd can be!” 

Say all the town of Esther Lee. 


AN ALPHABET OF SPORTS 

A is for archery, sport with the bow. 

B is for balls, of rubber or snow. 

C is for cat’s cradle, coasting and chess. 

D is for dominoes, played with success. 

E is for euchre, an old German game. 

F is for fishing, a sport of great fame. 

G is for golf, a popular play 

With ladies and gentlemen, merry and gay. 

H is for hare and hounds — see the hounds run ! 
I is for Indian, — boys think it fun. 

5 156 % 



SHE GUIDES UNSTEADY, AGED FEET 
ACROSS THE BUSTLING HIGHWAY 







An Alphabet of Sports 

J is for jackstraws and jackstones, too.^ 

K is for kites, far up in the blue. 

L is for leap-frog — jump over his back! 

M is for marbles, — blue, yellow, and black. 

N is for ninepins — roll the ball straight 1 
Down go the ninepins, five, seven, eight! 

O is for ''observation'’ keen; 

Try to remember the things you have seen. 

P is for polo, played on the park. 

Q is for quoits, pitched at a mark. 

R is for rowing, by river and sea. 

S is for skating — for you and for me. 

T is for tennis, a game to allure 

The hand and the eye that are skillful and sure. 
U is for umpire, — quarrels he’ll quell. 

V is for vaulting — jump high and jump well! 

W is for wheeling, for man and for maid. 

X is for xystus, where Greek games were played. 

Y is for yachting, from port to port. 

Z is for zigzag, the very last sport. 


5 157 & 


A Doll-House Thanksgiving 

A DOLL-HOUSE THANKSGIVING 

They have laid the doll-house table 
With damask as white as the snows, 

And the daintiest glass and china 
Are arrayed in shining rows. 

A beautiful silver epergne 
Is heaped with candied fruit, 

While something that looks like a turkey 
Reclines on a platter to suit. 

There's a pudding that's rich and plummy. 
And turnovers quite up to date. 

And a dear little pot of coffee. 

And violets set at each plate. 

Here, too, are the doll-house people 
All gowned in their newest and best. 

And their quiet and smiling faces 

To their grace and good breeding attest. 

But Mildred and Maud, the servers, — 
Such rudeness I shrink to relate, — 

Ere a crumb the doll-people have tasted. 
Calmly eat what they pile on each plate! 

^ 158 S: 


To a Sad Little Girl 

TO A SAD LITTLE GIRL 

You say you are ugly, and you are afraid 
That nobody loves you, sad little maid; 

For people whisper, with lip a-curl. 

As you pass by, '‘What an ugly girl!” 

Ah, well, my dear, if you mope and fret. 

Your ugly face will be uglier yet; 

Let me tell you the secret without delay 
Of growing beautiful day by day. 

’T is a secret old as the world is old. 

But worth in itself a mine of gold : 

Beauty of soul is beauty of face y 

For inward sweetness makes outward grace. 

There is the secret, simple and true; 

Now prove what its wisdom can do for you. 

Fill up your heart with thoughts most sweet. 
Bidding all others at once retreat. 

And these sweet thoughts will grow like seeds. 
And bloom into beautiful words and deeds. 

And soon, very soon, they will leave their trace 
Of loveliness on your ugly face; 

The lines will be softer on cheek and brow. 
Bright smiles will shine where tears are now; 

^ 159 ^ 


Bells 


Your eyes will sparkle, and some blest power 
Will make you lovelier every hour. 

Just try it, my dear; begin to-day 
To do kind things in the kindest way — 

To kindly think and to kindly speak, 

To be sweet-tempered, gentle, and meek. 

Then never again shall you need be afraid 
That nobody loves you, sad little maid; 
Opinions will change with a pleasant whirl. 
And all will think, ^'What a charming girl!” 

BELLS 

How many kinds of bells, 

And the message each one tells, 

Who knows? who knows? 

The first bell says, “Get up, get up!” 

The tea-bell says, ''Oh, come and sup!” 

The school bell says, ''Improve thy youth”; 
The church bell says, "Come, hear the Truth” 
The toll-bridge bell says, "Open the gates”; 
The door bell says, "A visitor waits”; 

The fire bell says, "Oh, run, men, run!” 

The noon bell says, "Hurrah for fun!” 

^ i6o ^ 


Little Paul’s Thanksgiving 

The sleigh bells say, ^‘Come, take a ride’^ 

The wedding bells say, '‘Bless the bride!” 

The fog bell says, “Beware! beware!” 

The trolley-car bell says, “Five-cent fare”; 

The auction bell says, “Come and buy”; 

The fish-man’s bell says, “Fish to fry”; 

The play bell says, “Come sport, come mirth”; 
The Christmas bells say, “Peace on earth”; 
The baker’s bell says, “Here’s fine bread”; 

The nine-o’clock bell says, “Go to bed.” 

JOHNNY’S WISH 

I WISH it would snow! Oh, I wish it would snow! 
For sliding downhill is so jolly, you know! 

And then the snow-forts and snow-battles, oh, dear, 
I wish ’t would begin and snow for a year! 

LITTLE PAUL’S THANKSGIVING 

They tossed him and they squeezed him. 

And they kissed him, one and all; 

They said, “You blessed, blessed boy!” 

And, “Darling little Paul!” 

^ i6i ^ 


Thanksgiving Riddle 

But they did n’t give him turkey, 

Nor any pumpkin pie, 

And when the nuts and grapes went round 
They slyly passed him by. 

But he did n’t seem to mind it. 

For in the sweetest way 
He sat and sucked his little thumb. 

His first Thanksgiving Day. 


THANKSGIVING RIDDLE 

Once on a time, a man named Shinner 
Rode slowly home to his Thanksgiving dinner; 
Poor was the country, and fair the day. 

And plenty of beggars beset his way ; 

But his purse was heavy, his heart was light; 

So he gave ten cents to a strolling knight. 

Five more to a maid of mournful mien. 

And he tossed a dime to a gypsy queen ; 

That’s all I shall tell of the man named Shinner, — 
But what time of day was his Thanksgiving dinner? 


^ 162 ^ 


Thanksgiving Sunshine 


TWO LITTLE THIEVES 

Said Christabel to little Kate, 

‘‘Here is a wish-bone, — lovely, too! 

I stole it off from cook’s own plate. 

And ran away with it to you. 

*Now, hold it so, and shut your eyes. 

Then wish a wish, but do not tell! 

No, Katie, you must not surmise 
About my wish,” said Christabel. 

* All ready? Wait till I count four — 

O h!” wide-stretched the eyes of blue 

Sly pussy darted through the door. 

And not a wish-bone was in view. 

THANKSGIVING SUNSHINE 

Cheery hearts and smiling faces. 

Gentle speech and ways. 

Make a cloudy, dull Thanksgiving, 
Sunniest of days. 

5 163 ^ 


Guessing at Shadows 


GUESSING AT SHADOWS 

Suspend a sheet across the room, 

And place a lamp not far behind it; 

Yes, we must sit here in the gloom, 

But we are grown-up and shall not mind it; 

Now pass between the sheet and light, 

And see if we shall guess aright. 

First comes Louise, with merry smile, — 

We ^d know our darling in a minute ; 

Now Jack draws past, in princely style. 

His little cart with baby in it; 

And here is Jim with sword and gun, — 

Why, we can guess you every one! 

But who is this, in cap and frill. 

With grandpa's clumsy, big umbrella? 

It is not May; it must be Lil, — 

No, two stray curls announce 't is Ella; 

Ah, now our frolic's well begun! 

Guessing at shadows is rare fun. 


5 164 ^ 


Mistress Kitty 


A SUGGESTION 

I WANT a doll, a truly doll, 

With bright blue eyes and curly hair; 

But father says it’s folderol, 

And mother does n’t seem to care. 

I want a real doll, instead 
Of my old ugly corn-cob one, 

That has n’t any feet or head, 

And only just a shawl pinned on. 

If you should tell good Santa Claus ' 
How much I want a truly doll. 

Perhaps he’d bring me one, because 
He might not think ’t was folderol. 


MISTRESS KITTY 

Mistress Kitty, dainty and pretty. 
How does your family grow?” 

•'‘With thirteen dollies, two talking pollies. 
And pussy-cats all in a row.” 

^ 165 ^ 


Our Brigand 

A CHRISTMAS GREETING 

A Merry Christmas, children all, 

Rich and poor, large and small. 

To north, to south, to east, to west, 

In every land where Christ is guest, 

A Merry, Merry Christmas! 

Now may we love our neighbors more, 
And may we give from out our store, 

That all may have a happy heart, 

And take a gladsome, joyous part 
In our Merry, Merry Christmas! 

For when dear Christmas Eve draws nigh, 
Be it the time when you and I 
Shall put away all wrong and sin. 

And bid the holy Christ-Child in 
To bless our Merry Christmas! 

OUR BRIGAND 

Oh, he is a terrible brigand 
All through the long, long day. 

With his crimson sash and his fierce mustache. 
And his hat with its feather gay! 

5 166 ^ 


A Song of Christmas Trees 

Yes, he is a terrible brigand, 

As he hides in parlor or hall. 

And rushes out with triumphant shout. 

To capture Nannie or Paul. 

But he is a dear little brigand 
When the sun sinks low in the west. 

And with sleep in his eyes he drops disguise. 
Begging to be undressed. 

Yes, he is a dear little brigand 
When his childish prattlings cease, 

And he holds my hand till he 's safe in the land 
Where brigands are all at peace. 


A SONG OF CHRISTMAS TREES 

Sing a song of Christmas trees. 
Hemlock, fir, and pine! 

Laden with the feathery snow. 

How they gleam and shine! 

Close together, straight and still. 
Stand they on the moonlit hill. 

^ 167 ^ 


Satin Joe and Wooden Jim 

Sing a song of Christmas trees, 
Hemlock, fir, and pine. 

With their many-colored fruits. 
Tapers all ashine! 

Standing miles apart to-night. 
Children greet them with delight. 


SATIN JOE AND WOODEN JIM 

Satin Joe and Wooden Jim 
Were little made-up boys 
Who rode in Santa Claus’ big bag 
Along with other toys. 

H shall jump out at that grand house!” 

Satin Joe confessed; 

Said Jim: ^H’ll trust to Santa Claus 
To leave me where ’t is best.” 

^ He ’ll take you to some poor old hut, — 
You’d better jump with me — 

Come on!” But Wooden Jim drew back. 
Resting contentedly. 

5 i68 ^ 


The Sweetest Girl in Town 

Ah, silly Joe! a naughty boy 
Tore him limb from limb ; 

But the darling toy of a baby girl 
Was little Wooden Jim. 


MY DOLLY HUNG HER STOCKING UP 

My dolly hung her stocking up, 

And Santa filled it full; 

There were some nuts and sugar-plums. 

And a frock of crimson wool. 

The dearest lace-trimmed handkerchief. 

And a painted china set I — 

Did your dolly hang her stocking up? 

What did your dolly get? 

THE SWEETEST GIRL IN TOWN 

I KNOW a little maiden, the sweetest one in town. 

She has no golden ringlets nor glossy curls of brown ; 

Her eyes are not like bluebells, nor lily-white her 
skin. 

And no bewitching dimples peep out from cheek 
or chin. 


5 169 ^ 


Coasting 

But she has smiles in plenty for dark days and for 
bright, 

For winter and for summer, for morning, noon, and 
night. 

Ah! on her freckled forehead I never saw a frown, 
And that is why I call her the sweetest girl in town. 

MUFFINS AND JAM 

Muffins and jam! muffins and jam! 

Oh, what a happy little boy I am! 

I wonder if any other boy like me 
Is going to have muffins and jam for tea! 

COASTING 

Trudging, puffing up the hill, 

Phoebe Snow and Rupert Sill; 

Furry cap and scarlet feather. 

Up the steep they climb together. 

Following the sturdy feet 

Slips the ''Racer,” strong and fleet; 

Close abreast, the gallant "Knight” 

Shines in gilded armor bright. 

5 170 ^ 


Christmas with Two Mollies 

Now the top is reached, at last; 

Tuck in scarfs and make them fast; 

Hear the shouts of fun and glee; 

All is ready — one, two, three! 

Down the hill, away they go, 

Rupert Sill and Phoebe Snow. 

Faster, Racer! Faster, Knight! 

What a merry, daring flight! 

^'Beat her. Racer!” sounds the cry; 

‘^Beat him, Knight!” the girls reply. 

Now they pass the elm-tree goal, 

Off the jolly youngsters roll; 

Furry cap is doffed with grace, — 

Phoebe’s Knight has won the race. 

CHRISTMAS WITH TWO MOLLIES 

MOLLIE BROWN SPEAKS 

What did I have for Christmas? Oh,somebonbon- 
nieres and a doll, 

A watch, an upright piano, and a point-lace parasol ! 
But I wanted a grand piano — I don’t like the tone 
of this. 


« 171 & 


Christmas with Two Mollies 

And I wanted a diamond necklace — would n^t that 
have been bliss! 

The bonbons are every one creamy — they know I 
don't like that kind, 

And the doll is n't anything extra — they said 't was 
the best they could find. 

Oh, Christmas is always horrid 1 — I never get what 
I expect, 

And then I must wait a year longer, and again have 
my hopes all wrecked I 

MOLLIE SMITH SPEAKS 

What did I have for Christmas? Oh, a jew's harp! 
— is n't it sweet? 

And this beautiful china dolly, with dress and 
bonnet complete! 

And I had two sticks of candy, lemon and pepper- 
mint. 

And a splendid long lead-pencil, and a pretty frock 
of print! 

Oh, Christmas is always lovely! — I never expect 
a thing, 

And then I get presents and presents, till I feel as 
rich as a king ! 

« 172 ^ 


Bedtime Thoughts 


BEDTIME THOUGHTS 

Our little Blue-Eyes is going to bed, 

But never alone goes she; 

For Doris and Dorothy over the way 
In nightgowns white I see. 

So here is a thought for your dear little head : 
Across the street they are going to bed. 

And all through the town, where we cannot look. 
They are going to bed by the score. 

Till I seem to hear, Good-night! good-night!** 
Passed on from door to door. 

So here is a thought for your small curly head: 
All over the city they*re going to bed. 

And the thousands of children throughout the 
land. 

As westward the sun goes fast. 

Will say their prayers and climb into bed. 

Till all will be sleeping at last. 

Now here is a thought for your wise little head: 
Thousands of children will soon be in bed. 

^ 173 ^ 


The Generous Giraffe 

All over the world, as the sun journeys on, 

An army of girls and boys 
Will don their nightgowns and say good-night. 
Leaving their games and toys. 

Oh, here’s a big thought for your small curly 
head; 

Millions of little ones tucked into bed ! 


THE GENEROUS GIRAFFE 

The Generous Giraffe 
Gave his muffler to a calf. 

And as might have been expected caught a cold. 
^^Put a compress on your throat,” 

Counseled good old Mother Goat, 

”And drink all the pepper tea that you can hold!” 

So that Generous Giraffe, 

With a long, good-natured laugh. 

Gave himself to all the coddling of his neighbors; 
And they took such pleasure in it 
That he came to dread the minute 
When his health would put a stop to all their labors. 

^ 174 ^ 


Questionings 

WHAT SANTA CLAUS BROUGHT 

Santa Claus brought me a rabbit that jumps 
And some beautiful books and a ball; 

But he brought me — oh, dear! — he brought me 
the mumps, 

And I did n’t want them at all! 


QUESTIONINGS 

Tell me, where is the Old Year going. 

And why is he going away? 

Will he start to-night if it keeps on snowing 
As it has snowed all day? 

Why does n’t he stay at home, nice and warm? 
Does he like to travel in such a storm? 

Tell me, how is the New Year coming? 

Will he come like Santa Claus, 

Or will there be music and lots of drumming, 

And soldiers and loud hurrahs? 

If he is a baby dressed in white. 

Won’t he freeze to be out such a cold, cold night? 

^ 175 & 


If and Perhaps 

IF AND PERHAPS 


If every one were wise and sweet, 

And every one were jolly; 

If every heart with gladness beat, 

And none were melancholy; 

If none should grumble or complain. 
And nobody should labor 
In evil work, but each were fain 
To love and help his neighbor — 

Oh, what a happy world T would be 
For you and me — for you and me! 

And if, perhaps, we both should try 
That glorious time to hurry ; — 

If you and I — just you and I — 
Should laugh instead of worry; 

If we should grow — just you and I — 
Kinder and sweeter hearted — 
Perhaps in some near by-and-by — 
That good time might get started. 
Then what a happy world \ would be 
For you and me — for you and me! 


THE END 


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